4468: Manchester United invoke Dicke

by : Antony Melvin

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of shouting, it was the age of foolishness - as Charles Dickens would have said if he had been watching Sky Sports during an early afternoon in late April of sunshine, foot-high graphics and simmering tension. The best of it was clearly had by Manchester United who, 2-0 down after an hour, somehow marshalled their dwindling squad into scoring four goals in barely 25 minutes as attack after attack pushed Everton backwards before blowing them away.

Chelsea had the worst of it with players needing rest and sustaining injuries as the obvious debilitating effects of a long season told once more - but still the effect of the United goals must have increased the problems. Incomprehensively the Chelsea scoreboard team felt the need to tell the Chelsea players and crowd each time United scored - seemingly without realising the obvious impact this would have on the game. Chelsea were either foolish or staffed by vindictive Spurs fans. If the Chelsea team thought that United were losing or drawing how much harder might they have pressed for a winner? This would not be Orwellian news management - merely good sense, better to let the radio-carrying crowd convey the news. Psychologically the final 20 minutes at Stamford Bridge were difficult for the Blues and the crowd with the players visibly deflated - and Liverpool could benefit on Tuesday night.

Of course there was fortune in several of the United goals, an unforced goalkeeping error and a Phil Neville own goal were pivotal. But as soon as there was an opening United were fearsome creating so much pressure that Everton played well to still be in the game as the game moved towards stoppage time. Blackburn were a goal ahead of United a few weeks ago with an hour gone and also shipped four goals as the pressure mounted, so it is hardly a new phenomenon - but it does offer echoes of 1999.

The 1999 season held mixed feeling for Paul Scholes, who many commentators suggest is the modern equivalent to Alan Ball - who was movingly applauded before kick-off around the country.

I'm not sure that the paralells between Scholes and Ball hold true given how quiet a personality Paul Scholes has. Although Scholes' neat passing and movement, allied to a fabulous football brain are akin to Ball - as is the obvious physical resemblance - but he does not talk to his colleagues and keep them going in the same way - a part of Ball's game that was unmistakeable. Ball's partner in crime in the England midfield, Nobby Stiles, was interviewed on the radio at the weekend and pointed out that Ball's cajoling was integral to the World Cup success. Stiles described a point, late on in the final, when he skewed a pass into touch and just stood there, exhausted - only for Ball to run round him shouting 'keep running, you bastard', words that kept him going until he was able to perform his infamous gap-toothed jig at the end.

Scholes is a quieter man but exterts his influence with incisive passing and close control - opponents often struggle to get close enough to him to affect his game, Carsley and Neville weren't on the same page on Saturday. Gattusso did a good job of this at Old Trafford last week, but his efforts were clear once the former-Rangers man was forced off with a sore knee - as Scholes grew in importance in his absence. Milan will be grateful for Gattusso's return to fitness.

Paul Scholes missed the 1999 final after a late rash tackle, saw him booked and suspended along with Roy Keane. Scholes together with Giggs and Ronaldo are a booking away from missing the 2007 final - should they progress - and it will be pushing things a bit much down the 1999 route if Scholes misses another final. In 1999 Scholes was 25 and probably felt that he had a couple of finals to come. But at 32 this is probably his last chance - and he will know it.

If 1999 proved anything it was that late comebacks are the hardest to recover from. If Milan are 2-0 moving into stoppage time on Wednesday then the game could be just getting started.

Antony Melvin
30 April 2007

4466: Argentina Clausura Weekly Revi

by : Cody Strunk

All the main title contenders were victorious in Argentina at the weekend, with San Lorenzo continuing to set the pace at the top of the table with a 2:1 victory away to Godoy Cruz, with both goals for the visitors coming from striker Nestor Silvera, the winner coming 14-minutes from time.

Boca Juniors remain hot on their heels following a 2:1 win on the road themselves at Newell’s Old Boys, strikers Martin Palermo and Rodrigo Palacio scoring second-half goals before a late consolation goal for the home side.

Defending champions Estudiantes joined in with the trend for 2:1 away victories at Gimnasia La Plata, where Mariano Pavone scored twice after defender Lucas Landa had given the home side the lead. The win was all the more commendable given that veteran striker Jose Calderon had been dismissed for Estudiantes after just a few minutes of the game.

River Plate, the only other team that could consider themselves as genuine title challengers, also won 2:1, although Daniel Passarella’s men made heavy weather of securing maximum points at home to lowly Banfield. The visitors were down to 10-men for nearly 80-minutes following a red card to midfielder Roberto Salvatierra, but it took a goal from substitute Fernando Belluschi with 20-minutes remaining to take the points for River Plate.

In other games, Argentinos Juniors were held to a 1:1 draw at home to Colon, a result that kept the visitors above the relegation play-off zone, while a second-half Santiago Raymonda penalty was enough for Arsenal de Sarandi to see off Gimnasia Jujuy. Nueva Chicago remain in the play-off drop-zone after a 0:0 draw at home to struggling Independiente, the visitors having won just twice in their 11 matches to date this term.

In terms of value for money, the game of the weekend was probably the 3:3 draw between Racing Club and Belgrano, with Gonzalo Bergessio opening the scoring for the hosts on 21-minutes and scoring the last goal of the game on 67-minutes. In between those goals Belgrano actually built up a 3:1 lead at one stage, so will have been disappointed at not winning. They also had midfielder Mario Bolatti red-carded just before the end of the match.

Two goals in the first half-hour were enough for Rosario Central to gain a 2:0 win at Velez Sarsfield, with Ricardo La Volpe’s team already seemingly focusing their attentions for the season on the Copa Libertadores rather than the domestic front. Given that they face Boca Juniors – with whom La Volpe had a fairly disastrous stint last year – in the next round of the Libertadores, they might well be advised not to overlook the league too much.

In the final game, a power failure put paid to proceedings between Lanus and relegation-bound Quilmes after just nine-minutes of action, with the game being rescheduled for 23 May.

Cody Strunk

4465: England Draw Germany and Argen

by : Hugh Larkin

Yet again a German team stands in the way of England’s World Cup prospects. The recent draw for the Women’s World Cup in China from September 10th-30th put Hope Powell’s team in the same section as the European champions.

Before the England men’s team put victories across Germany at Euro 2000 and in qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, there used to be a groan whenever they came up against the German side. Well this is even worse. The German Women’s side are so dominant that they have won the last 4 European Championships.

The Scandinavians usually give Germany a decent game but they only face a real challenge on the world stage against the likes of the USA and Brazil. So England are essentially battling for the second place in their group from the outset, barring a real shock.

The other two names in the section are Argentina and Japan, which does give the team a chance of reaching the knockouts. Argentina lie down at 32 in the women’s rankings compared to England’s 12. Japan rank above them but only just, at number 9.

England do have a realistic chance of getting to the last eight, which would continue the tremendous advances that have been made in recent seasons. The hosting of Euro 2005 proved to be a success, even though the team just missed out on a semi-final berth.

The momentum carried forward to World Cup qualifying when the squad outlasted a very good French side to make the trip to China for their first World Cup since 1995. In that tournament England got to the quarter-finals and inevitably Germany were in the way- England went down 3-0.

A last eight spot would be a successful outcome. Further progress would be miraculous as the draw has been unkind. England would have to play a side from Group B and that contains the sides currently ranked 1, 4 and 5 in the world- USA, Sweden and North Korea.

The team will be playing in front of huge crowds because China sees this competition as one of their test runs for the hosting of the 2008 Olympics. Whatever happens, it will be great experience for the younger players and there should be another surge in participation in the UK because of it.

Draw with world rankings

Group A
Germany (2)
Japan (9)
England (12)
Argentina (32)

Group B
USA (1)
Sweden (4)
N. Korea (5)
Nigeria (24)

Group C
Norway (3)
Canada (10)
Australia (14)
Ghana (48)

Group D
Denmark (6)
Brazil (8)
China (11)
New Zealand (23)

Past Winners

1991- USA 1995- Norway 1999- USA 2003 – Germany

USA have reached the semi-final every time – Germany and Norway have appeared three times each at that stage.

Hugh Larkin
27 April 2007

4467: Prediction Panel 2006/7: Prem

by : Antony Melvin

Just two fixtures for Sunday and Monday after a Saturday that may have been pivotal in the title with Manchester United moved five points clear - and in the relegation scrap as West Ham moved up to 35 points. On Sunday Arsenal (4) look to have an easy task to see off Fulham (16) who saw two rivals win yesterday. And on Monday a more evenly matched game sees Reading (9) look to enhance their bid for UEFA Cup football with a home game against Newcastle (12).

Sunday, 29 April 2007

Arsenal (4) vs Fulham (16), KO 16:00

Fulham slipped a place on Saturday as wins for Sheffield United and West Ham United suddenly pushed them within a point of the drop. And with a tough run-in Fulham will probably struggle to get to 40 points and will probably be hoping that 37 or 38 will be enough. Arsenal are playing well - simply not converting their chances - so unless Fulham show a bit more confidence than of late they could get turned over quite strongly. Fulham have more to play for - but they are not in free-fall for no reason.

Premiership – The Final Curtain - Fulham

PANEL
The panel are not expecting Fulham to get a shock win.

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech: 2-1
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 3-1
Antony Melvin: 2-0
Stephen Orford: 4-0

Monday, 30 April 2007

Reading (9) vs Newcastle United (12), KO 20:00

There was only one fixture over the weekend with no bearing on the title, relegation or the scrap for Europe - and this is no different. Whereas Newcastle's only concern is where abouts between tenth and fifteenth they will finish - Reading are serious contenders for a UEFA Cup campaign. Steve Coppell may have said that Reading weren't equipped for such a season - but his team is in great form and has this game in hand on the three teams in UEFA Cup places - but is only two to four points behind them. Two more wins should see Reading finish in the top seven - and the first should come on Monday against a moribund Newcastle.

PANEL
The panel are split - but a home win is the mode pick.

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech: 2-1
Magic Hat: Away
Colin Illingworth: 2-2
Antony Melvin: 2-0
Stephen Orford: 2-1

Prediction Panel Standings

Antony Melvin

4463: Destiny Of Dutch Title In Alkm

by : Cody Strunk

A 2:1 victory over Den Haag at the end of December saw PSV Eindhoven open up a seemingly unassailable lead of 11-points at the top of the Eredivisie going into the winter break. The Dutch champions were also through to the knock-out stage of the Champions League. Coach Ronald Koeman even stated that, “we’ll never lose four games in the second half of the season”.

Going into the final weekend of the season, those words now look as if they could come back to haunt Koeman for the remainder of his managerial career, with PSV having slipped to third in the table after the penultimate round of matches, during which they conceded a late equaliser at Utrecht to enable AZ Alkmaar and Ajax to go above them in the table on goal difference. As things stand Alkmaar top the table courtesy of a superior goal difference – six better than Ajax and seven better off than PSV.

PSV’s fall has been a rapid one. They were still eight points clear at the start of March, but a series of injuries (particularly at the back) and the unexpected Champions League success against Arsenal seemed to derail their domestic campaign and the other two have managed to reel them in over recent weeks.

The final fixtures on Sunday see AZ Alkmaar travel to Rotterdam to face Excelsior, Ajax away to Willem II and PSV playing host to Vitesse Arnhem. None of the opposing teams of the title chasers should theoretically put up much in the way of a fight, with Excelsior already condemned to the relegation play-offs (the temptation must be to conserve their energies for later battles when Alkmaar come to their tiny Stadion Woudestein on Sunday). Willem II also has nothing left to play for, having just secured their top-flight status for another season and Vitesse Arnhem are another with no threat of relegation hanging over them, but no prospect of challenging for a place in Europe next season either.

The team that eventually comes out on top will also have the satisfaction of going straight through to the Champions League group stage, while the other two will be consigned to the play-offs for the second Champions League spot (a place in the final qualifying round being the reward) alongside fourth-placed Twente Enschede and the team that eventually finishes fifth (Feyenoord currently occupy that position, but Heerenveen, Roda JC or Groningen could yet overhaul them).

It looks like advantage AZ Alkmaar, but they have had a long season in both the UEFA and KNVB Beker (Dutch Cup) this season, while they also lack the experience of their rivals in dealing with this level of pressure. They do possess players of real quality though in the likes of Shota Arveladze, Danny Koevermans, Demy De Zeeuw, Simon Cziommer, Tim De Cler, Moussa Dembele and Kew Jaliens. Should they prevail, it could be a somewhat surreal post-match celebration, with Excelsior’s stadium holding little more than 3,000 spectators. That will be of little concern to manager Louis van Gaal and his team though.

Cody Strunk
27 April 2007

4461: Fabregas to Milan, Ronaldo to

by : Hugh Larkin

Summers of years ending in odd numbers don’t have a major international football tournament, so the back pages have to be filled by something else. The off season is usually filled with all manner of stories but in a summer devoid of international soccer everything heats up all the more.

There will be all manner of wild speculations doing the rounds and most of it will be utter garbage- but the press knows that putting certain players in a headline guarantees results. And while the media speculates they are aided by the clubs who like to keep their fans happy (especially in Spain) by encouraging the idea that they are after every top player going.

You may think that all this inaccurate stuff would do the papers a disservice except that there is always that one transfer that comes out of left field and genuinely shocks the football world- Figo to Real Madrid for example. The pot is already boiling nicely at some clubs.

Arsenal

The Gunners have suddenly become a journalist’s dream. The departure of David Dein has already been followed by both Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry saying that their loyalty to Arsenal is based on Arsene Wenger staying put.

As it’s an open secret that Wenger has just one year left on his contract this is manna from heaven to the editors and a carte balance to launch all sorts of speculation until such time as Wenger extends that contract.

Thierry Henry was already going to be a focus because of his moderate, injury ruined season and Arsenal’s poor form. He may only have signed his new contract last summer but both the media and the elite clubs treat contracts as just so much paper.

Chelsea

For a change there might actually be some substance to rumours about who will or will not be at the Bridge next year. Again, several star players have linked their future to the manager- and in this case Frank Lampard and John Terry have both been having sticky contract negotiations with Peter Kenyon and Co.

This is wonderfully fruitful territory for journalists with space to fill and we can expect a deluge of stories about Terry and especially Lampard, until they are safely resigned.

Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack have not lived up to their huge salaries yet and expect a lot of pieces about how their former clubs are prepared to ‘welcome them back’ or even ‘end their nightmare’. That will also apply to Shaun Wright-Phillips. Of course if Chelsea do win the Champions League, the situation will be totally different.

Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new contract, so that story is dead. Well, no it isn’t because we can expect to see the various jockeying factions within Spanish clubs, trying to convince their voting public that they can deliver the new ‘best player in the world’. All the Press has to do is report these stories and attach an astronomical price- £75 million anyone?

Wayne Rooney is also untouchable- in theory. However, his performance against Roma and latterly AC Milan will be said to have ‘alerted’ the giants of Serie A to his abilities (why they are only just noticing him is quietly glossed over).

The source will be an innocent remark by a Club President that of course he would like to see Rooney at the San Siro/ Stadio Olympico etc. That will translate to a headline in the Corriere Della Sport that the said club are about to ‘swoop’ for the United man.

Liverpool

The wild talk here won’t so much be about who is going, though the ‘Steven Gerrard leaving’ story will be cranked up again based on the theory that he wants to play down the centre and Benitez won’t let him. Even Gerrard might have to admit the boss has something if Liverpool land a second Champions League in 3 years.

The big news generated by Liverpool will be about who the manager wants to bring in, as he has been given that item beloved of football writers ‘the huge war chest’. There will be no limit on the players that will be linked to Anfield during the break.

Hardly an international striker of note will be left out of the lists being pored over by Benitez in his office. Ronaldinho and Kaka are probably off the agenda but those two Brazilians apart, the whole of the world soccer elite will be name checked at some point.

Hugh Larkin
27 April 2007

4464: Mexico – Queretaro And Santos

by : Cody Strunk

One of the joys of the latter stages of any league season is in trying to ascertain which teams need what to win titles, secure promotion or avoid relegation and attempting to speculate the likely outcome. The number of hours frittered away with such conjecture at this time of year can no doubt be directly linked with a marked downturn in productivity as supporters up and down the nation plot potential escape routes for the likes of Charlton Athletic, Leeds United and Boston United.

At least the situation in England is relatively straightforward when it comes to relegation, with the three or four teams that pick up the least number of points in each division being demoted at the end of each season. Goal difference could play a part of course, but there’s nothing that requires more than a basic level of mathematics to worry about.

It’s not quite so simple in Mexico, where relegation is based on a percentage of points per game from the previous three years (six seasons of Apertura and Clausura). The equation is complicated somewhat in that promoted teams have fewer matches upon which the percentage calculation is based, so will be only one year in the case of newly promoted clubs and two years for any team that survives beyond that initial introduction. Only one club is relegated per year (relegation only takes place at the end of the Clausura season) and the battle to avoid the drop this time has gone right down to the wire, with Santos and newly promoted Queretaro the teams seeking to avoid tumbling into Primera A.

As things stand, Santos is in pole position with a percentage of 1.1287, while Queretaro is on 1.1212. This Sunday will therefore prove decisive, with Santos playing host to a Cruz Azul side who have already qualified for the play-offs, while Queretaro travel to Guadalajara to play an out-of-sorts Atlas. So if Santos can better Queretaro’s result at the weekend they will stay up, if both Santos and Queretaro lose – Santos will stay up. If both Santos and Queretaro draw – Santos will stay up. If both Santos and Queretaro win – erm, Queretaro will stay up.

The fact is that while Santos’s percentage is based on 101 matches to date, Queretaro’s comes from only 33 games, so were both to win on Sunday, Santos would have 117 points from 102 matches (1.1471%), while Queretaro would have 40 points from 34 matches (1.1765%). According to official websites Queretaro will stay up were they to draw and Santos lose, despite the teams then finishing with an identical percentage of 1.1176 (apparently on the basis of having played fewer matches). So that’s nice and clear then.

Ironically, Queretaro would already be safe had they not had been deducted 3 points in the Apertura season before Christmas for not using one or more players under 20 years 11 months in at least 765 minutes of the campaign (a wonderfully precise ruling). For their part, knowing that they were in serious danger of relegation, Santos invested heavily in new players for the Clausura season, signing the likes of national team goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez, former Manchester City striker Vicente Matias Vuoso, Argentinean central defender Fernando Ortiz and his playmaker countryman, Daniel Luduena. If Queretaro is victorious away to Atlas on Sunday, all that investment will count for nothing.

Cody Strunk
27 April 2007

4462: Premiership Preview; Portsmou

by : Stephen Orford

The jostle for various European places is the main focus of Liverpool’s visit to Fratton Park to take on Portsmouth on Saturday (April 28).

The Reds have already sealed their qualification for next season’s Champions League, and look to take another step towards securing third place, while Pompey still have high hopes of snatching a UEFA Cup spot. Seventh place in the Premiership table will be good enough for a European jaunt after Champions League regulars Manchester United and Chelsea reached the FA Cup final.

It’s not a pleasant image, but Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is sweating on the fitness of two key defenders ahead of this one. Both Sol Campbell and Linvoy Primus face late fitness tests, with the loss of one or both having a potentially damaging effect on the home side’s plans. Campbell has a problem with his Achilles tendon, while Primus is the victim of a knee injury. Both have been crucial to Pompey’s vastly improved defensive effort this term, and both will be key to keeping the Reds out at Fratton Park.

So too will former Liverpool goalkeeper David James. The ex-England man set a new Premiership record of 142 clean sheets during last weekend’s goalless draw with Aston Villa (another former club of the much travelled custodian), and has been in imperious form this term.

With Campbell’s former Arsenal team-mate Lauren also on board, and with Matt Taylor showing some of the most explosive form of any defender in the Premiership this season, it is easy to see why Portsmouth have conceded a creditable 38 goals from their 35 league games this campaign. Only 14 of those have come on home soil, and Rafa Benitez’s side could find it difficult to find a breakthrough if Pompey are at full strength at the back.

Chelsea loanee Glen Johnson could be fit enough for a recall, as could midfielder Sean Davis who has recovered from a virus. Striker Svetoslav Todorov is out with a knee injury.

Liverpool take something of a scratch side to the south coast. Skipper Steven Gerrard has not made the journey, nor has his vice-captain and England team-mate Jamie Carragher. Goalkeeper Pepe Reina is also rested, as Benitez keeps more than half an eye on the return leg of the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea at Anfield on Tuesday (May 1). A 1-0 defeat in the first leg has left Liverpool’s hopes of silverware for 2006/07 very much in the balance, and the former Valencia boss is covering all the bases in an attempt to reach the Athens final on May 23.

Sami Hyypia should start in place of Carragher, and Gabriel Paletta is also included in the squad. This has led to suggestions that Dan Agger may also be rested with the Chelsea game in mind, while midfielder Xabi Alonso is also among those set to be wrapped in cotton wool. Likely starters in midfield are Jermaine Pennant, who should fill Gerrard’s role on the right of midfield, aswell as the combative duo of Momo Sissoko and Javier Mascherano. Mark Gonzalez is in the squad and could figure on the left of midfield.

Up front, all of Craig Bellamy, Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch are in the 18-man party, but do not be surprised to see Robbie Fowler pressed into action. The local hero’s starts are rarer and rarer these days, but Benitez may see this as an ideal opportunity to give the 32-year-old a chance to add to his impressive goal haul for the club.

There have been 53 previous league meetings between these two, with Liverpool just holding the edge with 21 wins to Portsmouth’s 18. Fourteen games have ended level, while Portsmouth’s record on home soil against the Reds is markedly better. The south coast club have won 14 times to 8 on their home patch, with the other 4 matches ending in draws.

A draw is not an unreasonable bet for this one, although a weakened Liverpool line-up with very little to play for could be vulnerable. It is now or never for the home side if they are to secure a top seven finish, and for that reason they could just sneak home against a side with other things on its collective mind.

Verdict; Portsmouth 1 Liverpool 0

By Stephen Orford

28 April 2007

4460: Premiership Preview; Everton

by : Stephen Orford

Middlesbrough (14) vs Tottenham Hotspur (9), KO 15:00

Middlesbrough looked to be drifting before rousing themselves (as is their wont) against Man United. If they resume their pre-United slumber then this will be relatively comfortable for Spurs who are still improving and now look like a fair shot for finishing fifth given their game in hand and the fixtures remaining for the teams above them. This is a well balanced match, Spurs have been better this season but Boro have a good home record, and if either team plays well they should win - but Spurs should have a touch more motivation.

PANEL
The panel are completely split.

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech: 1-1
Magic Hat: Away
Colin Illingworth: 1-1
Antony Melvin: 1-2
Stephen Orford: 2-1

Portsmouth (8) vs Liverpool (3), KO 15:00

Portsmouth seemed to be drifting but the win over Man United has galvanised them and they will now expect to go on to finish in the top seven. It is an ideal time to play Liverpool, who are preparing for Tuesday's Champions' League match and are likely to rest players - and the players who start are unlikely to want to risk injury at this stage of the season and with third place almost secured. A 'shock' Portsmouth win is on the cards.

Match Preview

PANEL
The panel are split here but, interestingly, the majority favour Portsmouth.

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech: 2-0
Magic Hat: Away
Colin Illingworth: 1-2
Antony Melvin: 2-1
Stephen Orford: 1-0

Sheffield United (17) vs Watford (20), KO 15:00

This is the third game against the bottom three teams in four fixtures - and if the four points gained against West Ham and Charlton become seven then the Blades will be up to 38 points and almost certain to stay up. Watford's season long struggle saw them confirmed for relegation last week and although the freedom that this brings helps some teams - it could be that Watford's work ethic is replaced by a more open style that United should exploit.

Premiership – The Final Curtain – Sheffield United

PANEL
The panel are mostly expecting a home win.

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech: 3-1
Magic Hat: Away
Colin Illingworth: 2-2
Antony Melvin: 2-0
Stephen Orford: 2-0

Wigan Athletic (16) vs West Ham United (19), KO 15:00

Form, tradition, hope, fears, money - there are too many big issues at stake here. A Hammers win could make yesterday's £5.5m fine seem like chicken feed - but defeat could make a points deduction seem more equitable. Wigan are almost as desperate for the points - but only West Ham can be relegated this weekend which could add an extra 1% to their endeavours.

Premiership – The Final Curtain – Wigan Athletic
Premiership – The Final Curtain – West Ham United

PANEL
The panel are split here with a 1-1 draw the most popular pick.

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech: 1-0
Magic Hat: Draw
Colin Illingworth: 1-2
Antony Melvin: 1-1
Stephen Orford: 1-1

Prediction Panel Standings

Antony MelvinPremiership title issues are on the agenda when Manchester United travel to Goodison Park to face Everton on Saturday (April 28).

The Old Trafford side lead the way by just three points over Chelsea, with the champions facing Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge at the same time as the Red Devils’ kick-off on Merseyside.

It has been another taxing week for United, with Tuesday’s last-gasp home win over AC Milan offering hope that they can still reach the Champions League final. Wayne Rooney’s two goals saved the day for Sir Alex Ferguson on that occasion, and the England star will be keen to shine against the club he left for upwards of £25million in the summer of 2004.

A return to domestic action could precipitate a change of shape for Sir Alex. Having deployed a lone front man against the Italians, the Scot seems certain to keep Rooney in a more central role up front, alongside Alan Smith. The former Leeds United man was left out of the midweek clash, and the manager has hinted that Smith will be brought back into the line-up for this one. All of which should see Ryan Giggs shift to a more familiar role wide on the left, though the positions of both Giggs and Rooney have become virtually interchangeable. Louis Saha could be set for a place on the bench after missing out recently due to a troublesome hamstring.

There are still problems at the back for United, where Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic both miss out. Reports suggest the pair could be in contention for a recall for the second leg of the Milan tie on Wednesday (May 2), but the visit to Goodison comes too soon for either. Gary Neville is unlikely to come up against brother Phil, having not played since the 4-1 thumping of Bolton Wanderers on St.Patrick’s Day. Patrice Evra’s suspension for the trip to Milan should make him a certain starter against the Toffeemen.

Everton boss David Moyes is forced into a change between the sticks, with Tim Howard ineligible. The American is on loan at Everton for this season, and although a permanent deal appears to have been thrashed out between the two clubs it seems that the original agreement for him not to play against United will be honoured. That means that Ian Turner should get a start ahead of Richard Wright, that after Turner was recalled from a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday.

Moyes’ other main problem concerns Andy Johnson. The England striker has not trained all week after taking a knock to his ankle during last weekend’s disappointing 1-0 defeat at West Ham United, and is very doubtful. Johnson continues to have treatment on the injury, but is unlikely to be fit enough to start. Should he miss out, James Beattie could start as the lone striker, with perhaps James McFadden offering some support from an attacking midfield role.

Everton need the points for their own reasons, having climbed to fifth in the table on the back of a good run before the West Ham defeat. They are level on points with Bolton Wanderers going into this weekend’s fixtures, and three ahead of Reading as the chase for UEFA Cup slots hots up. The Toffeemen are certain to remain in the top seven whatever happens over the next three days, but will be keen to avoid being reeled in by the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth who hover just outside the top seven.

This is among the oldest and most famous top flight rivalries, with this meeting representing the 156th time that the pair have clashed in league play. It is United who hold the overall advantage, having won 66 times to Everton’s 52, with a further 37 games drawn. At Goodison it is quite a different story, as the Merseyside club have won 37 of the 77 contests, losing 23 with 17 ending level.

Moyes would probably take a point if offered it prior to kick-off but for Sir Alex nothing less than all three seems likely to be good enough. With that in mind, and with the searing form of Rooney and Ronaldo taken into account, expect the league leaders to edge another three points closer to claiming back the Premiership title.

Verdict; Everton 1 Manchester United 3

By Stephen Orford

28 April 2007

4459: Prediction Panel 2006/7: Prem

by : Antony Melvin

Eight Fixtures today and in the top flight there are only three or four games left and almost nothing has been decided. Chelsea (2) will be looking to eliminate the gap at the top by beating Bolton (6) in the lunchtime kick-off. The headline match is at Goodison Park where Everton (5) meet league leaders Manchester United (1) - Everton need the points to secure European football and a United win would push them very close to the title. At the bottom Wigan (16) can all but relegate West Ham (19) today - but the chances are that both will stay in the mix. Sheffield United (17) will expect to put daylight between them and the drop at home to Watford (20). Blackburn (10) are unlikely to be in Europe next season and face Charlton (18) whose ambition includes a league game in Blackburn next term. In the battle for Europe Spurs (9) and Portsmouth (8) will be looking for wins to move into the top seven.

Saturday, 28 April 2007

Blackburn Rovers (10) vs Charlton Athletic (18), KO 15:00

Blackburn have faint hopes of finishing in the top seven and achieving European football as a result - but it requires four consecutive wins including this game against improving but desperate Charlton. A few weeks ago the bottom three seemed cast in aspic, but a win for Charlton could propel them to safety in one fell swoop. The respective star strikers - McCarthy and Bent - could decide a tense and tight affair.

Premiership – The Final Curtain – Charlton Athletic

PANEL
The panel are completely split here.

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech: 0-2
Magic Hat: Away
Colin Illingworth: 2-2
Antony Melvin: 0-0
Stephen Orford: 2-1

Chelsea (2) vs Bolton Wanderers (6), KO 12:45

On paper this is the easiest fixture that Chelsea have left this season and if they fail to win it then their grip on the title will be severely weakened. Bolton's easy cruise towards a top six finish has stalled recently and with Reading, Portsmouth and Spurs catching rapidly Sam Allardyce will try to prey on tired Chelsea legs. Unlikely to be many goals here.

PANEL
The panel are expecting Chelsea to win easily.

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech: 4-0
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 2-0
Antony Melvin: 1-0
Stephen Orford: 3-0

Everton (5) vs Manchester United (1), KO 12:45

Everton meet United at an ideal time - sandwiched between the two legs of the Champions' League semi-final; and will hope to catch United below par. One more win for the Toffees should secure a top seven place - but their run-in of United, Portsmouth, Chelsea guarantees nothing. For United a season that promised so much can come apart today and even if it means that the gap at the top is reduced a draw would not be a bad result. Much will depend on the fitness of Andy Johnson.

Match Preview

PANEL
The panel are expecting a United win.

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech: 0-4
Magic Hat: Away
Colin Illingworth: 1-3
Antony Melvin: 1-2
Stephen Orford: 1-3

Manchester City (13) vs Aston Villa (11), KO 15:00

The only meaningless fixture on the card today sees two sides clear of relegation trouble but too far away from the top seven to make a bid for Europe. Can City finally score at home and offer their fans some cheer ahead of the derby match? Two sides who don't score many, with nothing at stake - I'm not going to predict a nine goal thriller.

PANEL
The panel are split here with a 1-1 draw the most popular pick.

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech: 1-1
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 2-1
Antony Melvin: 1-1
Stephen Orford: 1-1 (because Vassell is a certainty to score)

4453: Premiership – The Final Curtai

by : Kieran McHugh

One place above the drop, Sheffield United are in the most precarious position. They have the prize in their own hands and will be expecting to do enough to retain their place amongst the elite. With games against Watford at home, Villa away and ending at home to Wigan the prospect of another season in the big time looms large.

Despite Aidy Boothroyd’s optimism, Watford will be in the Championship next season and are likely to be feeling the effects of a season that always looked likely to end the way it has. Although the Hornets will fight to the last, given the choice of his next opponents Warnock would have gone for Watford at home, and the Blades should be good for the points.

Teams that have fought all season to beat the drop but have succumbed with games to spare are able, occasionally, to produce a level of performance beyond ir usual standard. Whilst Boothroyd will be keen to assess the character of his players ahead of a likely promotion push next season, I fancy the Blades robust style and urgency to get the better of Watford here.

Villa away though is perhaps tougher than it seems. O’Neill will be keen to finish a topsy turvy season on a high, especially in front of the Villa faithful. Next season is likely to bring far more in terms of expectation for the Northern Irishman and he’ll know that he needs the backing of the fans. Villa were well on top in their last home game, with Pompey ‘keeper David James finally claiming the clean sheet record in a man of the match performance.

Villa are starting to click. O’Neill knows the importance of playing for the full 38 league games in a season runs far beyond the possibility of finishing in the top half this season. I’d have Villa down to win this, leaving Warnock and his troops steeling themselves for a last day battle at home to Wigan.

I believe Wigan may well have secured their own safety by the time the last day is upon us. For this reason, and the fact that Sheffield United should still require a result to make sure of their place in the top jar next season, I have them down to win against Wigan. I don’t for a minute think it will be one for the purist but should the pressure be off Wigan it could be telling as the Blades are likely to tear into the match at 100 miles per hour.

Six points from their final three matches would take United to a total of 41 for the season, well beyond the expected level for safety. In fact only West Ham in the 2002/03 season have gone down with more points in the last ten Premiership seasons.

Sheffield are the only side from the 5 involved in the battle to stay up that have to play Watford, the only side already doomed. That game is their first of the three remaining and is at home. An absolute godsend for the Blades. Although no “gimme”, the chance to record a win against a side already down and allow themselves some breathing space, piling the pressure on others at the same time, could be critical.

Whilst their football has at times not been pretty a period from November to December gave the Blades hope for survival. They’ve clung to that hope through some fairly poor sequences since. A run of fixtures that saw them play Spurs, Liverpool, Everton, Chelsea and then Bolton at the start of the run in could have sunk lesser sides. Sheffield United have hung in there and would deserve another crack at Premiership football.

Prediction:
Watford (h) – 3 points
Aston Villa (a) – 0 points
Wigan Athletic (h) – 3 points
Total – 41 points
Verdict – SAFE

Currently:
Premiership – The Final Curtain - Fulham 36 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Wigan Athletic 35 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Sheffield United 35 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Charlton Athletic 33 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – West Ham United 32 points

Kieran McHugh

4458: Neil Lennon: The fans view

by : Colin Illingworth

All good things must come to an end and on May 26 Celtic’s controversial captain Neil Lennon will pull on a hoops shirt for the very last time. The former Crewe and Leicester City midfielder has decided to call time on his Parkhead career after six-and-a-half glittering and turbulent years in Glasgow. He leaves the club he supported as a boy as its most decorated player in more than 20 years after scooping five SPL titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups. And at the end of May he has the chance to cap his Celtic career with a fourth Scottish Cup as the Hoops take on Dunfermline at Hampden Park.

The tenacious midfielder was signed by Martin O’Neill in December 2000 from Leicester City for £5.75 million and was never far from controversy. Off the pitch the former Northern Ireland international was forced to quit the international scene after receiving death threats, he was a victim of a road rage incident and was also attacked by two drunk students. And it didn’t get much better for him on the pitch either. He was a hate figure for most away fans and on occasions failed to control himself and was caught on camera giving them abusive gestures. His abrasive style and battling qualities enraged those he was playing against but it only made him even more of a hero to the millions of Celtic fans. David Shearan, a member of the Tyneside no1 Celtic Supporters Club, said he was crucial to the team but that at 35 years of age it was the right time for Lennon to move on.

“In years gone by we missed him when he was missing. The calming influence and simple ball was missing, but when he's been missing this season the play has been more fluent more than anything, which tells me that it's the right time to go. He was crucial to the team based on a few things – he was a fan on the pitch. He knew more than anyone what it takes and what it means to play for Celtic (and to beat Rangers!) Not to mention the fact that he was a big game player. He was always in the thick of things during the big games. He would never shy away and go missing.

“Neil Lennon brought more to the team than a lot of people realised. He was never the quickest but he was your typical holding midfielder, sitting in front of the defence and making some incisive passes. The type of player every good team has. He's played alongside some great midfielders such as Paul Lambert and Roy Keane - two players not too dissimilar from himself and he's been a class act whoever he's played with. I don't think we'll miss him as much now to be honest because the club should have been actively seeking a replacement for him for a while.”

So just who is going to fill the boots of the redheaded warrior? With Gordon Strachan being promised money to strengthen his squad in the summer the club is sure to be linked with every midfield ace in Europe. But David would love to see the gaffer give some of the youngsters a chance.

“There's some players I'd love Strachan to sign but I honestly can't think of any holding midfielders who could be realistic transfer targets for Celtic. Peter Lawwell (Celtic’s chief executive) is making the right noises that he will back Strachan this summer but I would like to see some of the young lads given a chance to show their promise after dominating the reserve leagues for so long. We've all got to start somewhere.”

During Lennon’s six-and-a-half years at Parkhead the club has ended Rangers stranglehold on the game, they’ve reached the final of the UEFA Cup and qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League. They’ve also suffered heartache on the last day of the season and watched their team being rebuilt by Strachan with young Scottish stars, but there’s never been a dull moment when Neil Lennon’s been around. Yet despite all of the controversy that surrounds the Lurgan-born star he has only been red carded three times in his Celtic career, twice against Rangers and once against Falkirk earlier this season.

Lennon’s legacy will live long in the memory of all Celtic fans but there’s one image that will remain in David Shearan’s mind.

“The defining image of him is the one of him and his mentor Martin O'Neill on the pitch at Ibrox after a 2-0 defeat saluting the Celtic fans after backing him for 90 minutes trying to drown out the hate-filled bigots that were ripping him apart.

“I think Neil Lennon will always divide opinion, whether it's Celtic supporters or any other supporters. Some will say he has too negative but to me he was a patient ball player. Why play a probing pass if there's more chance of losing the ball? I think some Celtic fans got a bit too impatient with his style of play and other jumped on the bandwagon, forgetting some of the sacrifices he made to play for the club.”

May 26 will be Lennon’s last appearance in a Celtic shirt but it’s highly unlikely that it will be the last time we see him take to the field as he hasn’t announced his retirement from the game, just that he is leaving Celtic. So where will we end up? David believes the world is his oyster but that a player/coach role will be ideal for him as a move into management is surely on the horizon.

“I think he will go into management and become a great manager. I'm not sure where he will go. He could go anywhere. Maybe America, maybe Spain – somewhere he has always fancied going to play – maybe Sunderland to add to Roy Keane's Irish brigade? Wherever he goes I can see him taking on a joint player and coach role.”

Lennon may not have been everyone’s cup of tea north of the border but you can guarantee that Scottish football will be an awful lot quieter without the tenacious warrior next season.

* What do you think of Lennon leaving Celtic? Is it the right time? What will your defining moment of him be? Who would you like to see replacing him? We’d love to hear from you.

Colin Illingworth
26 April 2007

4452: Premiership – The Final Curtai

by : Kieran McHugh

Wigan’s chances of avoiding the drop are very much in their own hands. Having plummeted down the table mid season, they’ve been in the relegation scrap for some time now, hovering just above the drop zone without ever actually being in the bottom three.

Their run in though is more straightforward that those around them, although not without its difficulties. Kicking off on Saturday with a home match against fellow strugglers West Ham, they then take on Middlesboro before a potentially decisive battle at Bramall Lane.

In the first match, West Ham know it’s all or nothing. Wigan, although not safe with a draw, will know it suits them far better than it does the Hammers. A point should see them leapfrog Fulham after the weekend’s fixtures, (the Cottagers face Arsenal away this Sunday), and would leave West Ham in desperate trouble. A win for Wigan would go a long way to securing safety. It won’t be pretty and the final few minutes will most likely be frantic, but this looks likely to be a nervous, error strewn draw.

Whatever the outcome of the game against West Ham, Wigan are likely to go into the next game with Boro needing a win just as badly as every other side at the bottom. Boro have more or less done enough to guarantee their place in the top flight and despite their creditable performance in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United are likely to be less motivated than the home team.

Whilst not the most passionate body of fans in the Premiership, Wigan have two home games with which to put daylight between themselves and the axe. With a poor home record this season, only Watford’s is worse, Paul Jewell will be certain to rouse his troops for the visits of West Ham and Boro. Their recent home record is not too shabby and with survival on the line this may be a decisive factor for the Latics.

The final day takes Wigan to Bramall Lane for a possible crunch match against Sheffield United. Neil Warnock’s side have known from minute one that their campaign would most likely go down to the wire. They will be prepared to spill blood for the cause to ensure they escape the drop and for 90 minutes they will run the extra yard roared on by a full house.

Should Wigan secure 4 points from the 36th and 37th games of their season, they may well have done enough. The Blades have shown their character time and again this season and I see them finishing on a high with a win in front of their own fans.

This would give Wigan a draw, a win and a defeat in their final three matches, four points that I’m certain Paul Jewell would readily accept now if offered them. A total of 39 points has been enough in all but one of the last seven seasons. Wigan would be extremely unlucky if it were not enough this time round.

Having said that, Wigan’s position is still uncertain. The game against West Ham is pivotal, perhaps the most intriguing of all the games still to be played by the candidates for relegation. A win for Wigan could be enough in itself, but would surely provide the boost required to take them past the post. A draw would keep them squarely in the mix and a defeat would crank up the pressure ahead of a vital last home match.

The if’s, but’s and maybe’s of relegation football are perhaps most in evidence for Wigan, given that they play two sides who are also threatened. These will be key matches, not just for the sides concerned, but for all five of the teams in the mire.

Prediction:
West Ham (h) – 1 point
Middlesbrough (h) – 3 points
Sheffield United (a) – 0 points
Total – 39 points
Verdict – SAFE

Currently:
Premiership – The Final Curtain - Fulham 36 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Wigan Athletic 35 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Sheffield United 35 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Charlton Athletic 33 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – West Ham United 32 points

Kieran McHugh

4457: Premiership Preview; Chelsea

by : Stephen Orford

Chelsea look to keep up the pressure on Manchester United in the Premiership title race when they entertain Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (April 28).

For the first time in what seems like years, both title protagonists will play at the same time, with both this clash and Manchester United’s visit to Everton kicking off at 12.45pm. Whether this will ease the pressure on either is debatable, but what is certain is that by 2.45pm we should know at least a little more about the potential destination of the Premiership trophy.

Chelsea currently trail Sir Alex Ferguson’s side by three points with four games to play, but have a vastly inferior goal difference. The meeting of the two heavyweights on May 9 is pivotal in the minds of many, but both have to keep on winning lest they allow their rival an opportunity to steal a march.

Chelsea go into the Trotters’ clash with a possible boost in midfield. Having initially feared that Arjen Robben would miss the rest of the season with a knee problem, the champions could welcome the Dutchman back into the squad for this one. With Michael Ballack still suffering the effects of an ankle injury picked up at Newcastle United last weekend, Robben’s return could be invaluable.

Manager Jose Mourinho may wish to rest one or two of the men who earned a hard fought Champions League victory over Liverpool in midweek, and could use Robben in place of either Jon Obi Mikel or Joe Cole. The latter has suffered chronic injury problems for the majority of the season, and may find it difficult to play two high intensity games in the space of three days.

Another fillip for Mourinho comes in the shape of Michael Essien’s return. The Ghana international was suspended for the Liverpool clash, but should come back fresh against Sam Allardyce’s UEFA Cup chasing outfit. Wayne Bridge, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Salomon Kalou are among the other names pushing for a recall to the starting 11.

Bolton could be without several members of their first team squad. Controversial striker El Hadji Diouf is definitely out, as is Senegalese team-mate Abdoulaye Faye. Israeli central defender Tal Ben Haim was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in January as John Terry continued to struggle with injury, but will not get a chance to prove his worth to Mourinho due to a knee problem. Diouf and Faye are suffering from hamstring and groin injuries respectively.

The problems don’t end there for Allardyce, who also has doubts over Kevin Nolan, Nicky Hunt and Stelios Giannakopoulos. Nolan is the club’s inspiration in midfield, and his presence will be sorely missed should he fail to recover from an ankle injury in time. Meanwhile Hunt limped out of last week’s 3-1 home loss to Reading with a calf injury, and could be set to miss out here.

That loss against the Royals was particularly damaging to Bolton’s hopes of European qualification, as defeat here coupled with a win for Steve Coppell’s men at home to Newcastle United would leave the Lancashire club clinging on to the final UEFA Cup slot. With Tottenham Hotspur having a game in hand and with Portsmouth also in close proximity, Allardyce’s side are still desperate for the points which will see them secure another crack at Europe.

History shows that the head-to-head between the two is remarkably close. In 97 previous league meetings Chelsea have won 38 to Bolton’s 34, with a further 25 games ending level. Yet at Stamford Bridge the home side’s advantage is much more decisive, having gained 25 victories to just 12 managed by Bolton, with 11 games drawn.

Bolton’s injury list and recent poor form (two consecutive league defeats and only one win in the last four) suggest nothing other than a convincing home victory. Though half an eye will be on Tuesday night (May 1) and the Champions League semi-final, second leg at Anfield, Mourinho should be able to freshen up his squad sufficiently to keep the pressure on United.

Verdict; Chelsea 3 Bolton Wanderers 0

By Stephen Orford

27 April 2007

4456: Do Chelsea hold the edge?

by : Antony Melvin

On a statistical basis Chelsea are favourites to be running out in Athens next month - the first Chelsea team in history to reach the final of Europe's premier club competition; and the third different English club to contest the final in three seasons. If Manchester United make it four different clubs in the final in three seasons it will end much of the debate over whether England or Spain has a stronger league, certainly at the elite end.

Although three different Spanish clubs have been in the final since the turn of the decade, it is 23 seasons since a fourth, Atltico Madrid, took Bayern Munich to an unsuccessful replay. Since when no less than six English clubs (Leeds, Liverpool, Forest, Villa, Man United and Arsenal) have reached the final and Chelsea could make it seven.

According to the statistical tables, teams in European competition that win the opening home leg 1-0 progress without recourse to penalties 54% of the time. There is little wonder that the actuaries at the bookies have marked down Liverpool, who have a 40% direct chance to face Manchester United or AC Milan in Athens next month; with penalties a 6% shot. Interestingly teams in Liverpool's position still win the second leg 57% of the time - even if this is often in vain.

Chelsea's problem is of course the cost of fatigue on an experienced team. When Wayne Rooney was asked about fatigue after firing Manchester United 3-2 ahead in stoppage time he thought the question ridiculous. To paraphrase Rooney would play every day of the week and twice on Sunday given the chance. But he is a bundle of 21 year-old energy, whereas Chelsea have a few older legs to consider.

Key players in the Chelsea ranks are starting to look tired and as Pepe Reina carefully pointed out - Liverpool will look to capitalise on this weakness. Claude Makelele is a shadow of the perpetual motion machine of his first couple of years in London, Frank Lampard is still getting the shots in - but is not covering the ground he did even last season, Michael Ballack is a clever player but his presence is diminishing and Andriy Shevchenko shouldn't really play more than an hour at a time right now. Balancing this is the return of the dynamic Michael Essien, the improvement of Mikel John Obi, the consistent excellence of Didier Drogba - and the possible inclusion of Joe Cole or Arjen Robben.

Chelsea's remaining fixtures packed around the Liverpool game do not suggest an easing of the pressure. Apart from meeting the league leaders twice (possibly three times), games against fourth placed Arsenal, fifth placed Everton and sixth placed Bolton are all going to be tests of endurance.

In some ways Manchester United could have helped Chelsea out - but for dropping five points in the last three games United would have been far enough ahead of Chelsea for Chelsea to focus on the Champions' League, and rest players in the league games. But in their fallibility United have reinforced Jose Mourinho's belief that the league remains in reach. Chelsea almost certainly need to win all their league games to be Champions - and even then it is not certain; but whilst it remains tantalisingly within reach Mourinho will not let up.

Of course winning games is supposed to revive tired players - but at the end of an incredibly long season, that began too soon after a draining World Cup that is a viewpoint that is increasingly difficult to believe. Jose Mourinho's increasingly shrill complaints about refereeing decisions do not sound like the thoughts of a man who is in complete control - more of a man who knows that the difference between this season ending in glory or desperate anti-climax is now wafer-thin.

Statistically Chelsea hold a slender advantage going to Anfield and Chelsea are a team that rarely concedes and never gives up. But as their legs tire, Chelsea will not want extra time at Anfield and will probably subvert their own attack to try to secure a 0-0. Chelsea do hold the edge - but the full English half of the draw is far from decided.

Antony Melvin
26 April 2007

4454: Premiership – The Final Curtai

by : Kieran McHugh

Charlton Athletic’s recent revival has stalled at the worst possible moment. Ever so briefly out of the bottom 3 after a run of 3 wins from 4 games, they have now taken 3 points from a possible 12 and scored twice in those four games. More worryingly a final day visit to Anfield is likely to provide little chance to add to whatever tally they have going into the game. If Charlton escape, the next 2 games are vital.

Blackburn away and Tottenham at home are perhaps not the sort of fixtures to strike fear into the hearts of teams desperate for points. For my money though, they could be the two games that send Charlton to Anfield needing miracles.

Blackburn are a handy outfit now under Mark Hughes and exhibit one of the traits of their managers’ mentor. They will give Charlton nothing for free and will carry on until the end of the season. Blackburn have 12 points to play for and they will be looking for each and every one of them for as high a finish as possible. Charlton will do well to get anything more than a draw at Ewood Park. With Rovers perhaps able to relax though, I have the home side to win this fixture with relative comfort.

Spurs on the other hand could just be the sort of side that Charlton could roll over. Out of the cup competitions that they hoped might make their season, Spurs have lost their way a little of late. A patched up defence has conceded plenty recently but Spurs have lost only once in 8 league matches thanks to a devastating forward line. Spurs would love nothing more than to help send Charlton down, and I have my fears for the Addicks here.

Although Spurs have a congested fixture list in the final week of the season, Charlton play them at the start of a run of 3 matches in a week. The Tottenham players are likely to be relatively fresh and may have become more accustomed to playing with the patched up defence.

Charlton have managed to make themselves hard to beat under Alan Pardew, conceding only 3 times in their last sis outings, including a run of four clean sheets in a row. Up against a Tottenham side that has real attacking potency though, I can’t see the Addicks keeping the likes of Berbatov, Keane and Lennon at bay. Unfortunately for Charlton I can make a case for only one point from these two matches.

By my calculations, Charlton will travel to Anfield needing snookers. For the fans it could turn out to be something of a wake, a last look at the sort of footballing cathedral not available to them in the Championship. A chance to show some kind of defiance in the face of what could prove to be a disastrous relegation.

Ill equipped to deal with life outside of the premiership some sides struggle to make an immediate impact in the lower division. Alan Pardew of course has recent experience, leading West Ham to promotion via the play offs, so all I not lost, but it would be mighty hard in my estimation.

Relegation rarely comes at a good time for a club, but this year it is likely to have a seismic affect on those clubs relegated. Even more so if the club has Premiership wage structures and budgets. With respect, if the battle for survival is lost, it could hit Charlton hardest of all the clubs in the mix.

Those others around the drop zone have largely been expecting to be involved and have contingency plans in place. West Ham have a wealthy backer who swears he’ll stick around and continue with his plans and lead the club back to the Premiership. Charlton might have a long summer ahead if they can’t find perhaps six points from their final three games.

Prediction:
Blackburn Rovers (a) – 0 points
Tottenham Hotspur (h) – 1 point
Liverpool (a) – 0 points
Total – 34 points
Verdict – RELEGATED

Currently:
Premiership – The Final Curtain - Fulham 36 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Wigan Athletic 35 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Sheffield United 35 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Charlton Athletic 33 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – West Ham United 32 points

Kieran McHugh

4450: Will Platini Take On Europe’s

by : Hugh Larkin

Michel Platini was elected President of UEFA after running on a ticket promising to level the playing field in European football. Last week saw the first evidence that he is deadly serious when the Euro 2012 tournament went to Poland and the Ukraine.

The award can’t be laid solely at the great midfielder’s door but it was evidence that Eastern Europe and the smaller nations are going to have a bigger say in matters under the Frenchman than under the stolid hand of Lennart Johannson.

The leaders of the rival Italian bid were clearly stunned to be rejected, although the various problems in Italian soccer over the past couple of years obviously undermined their case. In spite of that, most of Italy still thought that their standing as one of soccer’s Superpowers would win out.

The new broom has made a promising start but this was probably the easiest area of Platini’s agenda to deliver. It is the entrenched interests of Europe’s elite clubs that the new President will have most difficulty overcoming.

He’s on record as saying that he would like to see nations like England and Spain lose their 4th qualifying place to the Champions League to open up more places for medium sized nations but this puts him on a collision course with clubs who have based their business plans on continuous Champions League revenue.

These clubs- usually represented by the G-14 lobbying group- can be expected to fiercely defend any attempt to cut their Champions League prospects. For the past decade or more, a raft of teams have established a ‘virtuous circle’ where qualification for the tournament delivers wealth and spending power which then allows them to dominate their domestic leagues.

Standing square with these clubs will be the television interests and commercial sponsors who want to see more air time for clubs from England, Spain and Italy at the expense of less well known sides from smaller markets (countries). The view of both broadcasters and sponsors is that the Champions League is about bringing together the biggest clubs in Europe, full stop.

Should Platini try to undermine this situation, the elite clubs have the threat of a breakaway from UEFA to form a European Super League. The advantage is that they would take all nearly all the biggest brand names on the Continent and could probably draw most of the key media players with them.

Not only that, they could carry through their threat- currently only that- to pick at the foundations of international soccer by refusing to release their players for games , or demanding huge compensation for their services, especially if injured.

The disadvantages to the elite clubs in this course are two fold. Firstly, the Super League idea has the problem that some clubs will end up finishing bottom or trophyless and these are teams that have built their followings on delivering glory. Their fans are unlikely to be satisfied by midtable mediocrity.

The status quo suits them as they get their Superleague and roll up the domestic prizes too; and the second problem is that there are many players who would not countenance being unable to appear for their national sides. Arsene Wenger may feel that international soccer is not as good as the Champions League but he may struggle to convince Kolo Toure that he shouldn’t turn out for the Ivory Coast.

UEFA under Platini and the G-14 clubs can do each other immense damage and for the moment both sides will hold back from the nuclear option. Platini may well turn his attention next to the increasingly moribund UEFA Cup.

He was the author of a plan to return this to a straight knockout – in fact he argued that there should just be one big tournament for everyone, which was a bit radical even by his standards.

The President could swing things to remove the mundane group stage and thus cut the number of games. More teams could take part and with seeding in place, the protests of the bigger clubs that they don’t want to risk defeat after one tie could be assuaged.

Finally he could boost the importance of the UEFA Cup overnight by awarding the winner a passage to the Champions League. This is sufficiently radical without risking all out war with the G14 and would revitalise the competition.

In this plan he would only have to find one extra place in the Champions League but could still argue that opportunities for the less powerful nations have been greatly enhanced.

It will be fascinating to see how far and how quickly he will try to go. Last week’s Euro 2012 decision demonstrated that Platini is serious and the politics of European football will be anything but dull from now on.

Hugh Larkin

4455: Premiership – The Final Curtai

by : Kieran McHugh

West Ham go into the final rounds of matches having done well to keep their heads above water for so long. However, there is no room for manoeuvre at all at Upton Park where scratchy performances under Curbishley have left the Hammers looking down the back of the sofa for points.

The game against Wigan is vital. A win lifts the club and provides a platform for the visit of Bolton for which the Upton Park crowd would raise the rafters. Anything else adds pressure to the Bolton game. Whatever happens at the JJB one feels that Wigan will make their visitors as uncomfortable as they can. I have plumped for a tense draw here which would mean West Ham’s final home match of the season against Bolton Wanderers becomes a must win game.

In their last match at home against Everton, UEFA Cup hopefuls, West Ham came out on top in a comfortable enough manner, defending solidly after taking an early lead. The only signs of nervousness came when the assistant referee raised the board showing 6 minutes would be added on at the end of normal time.

There is reason to believe that the Hammers can prevail once more against opposition with something still to play for. There is likely to be a tense atmosphere at the Boleyn Ground, but the Hammers can respond to their crowd and I have then down to take the points. However, Bolton will have learned lessons from Everton’s defeat and know that they are in for a stern test.

Going forward Carlos Tevez has come alive recently, but his return of 4 goals for the season goes some way to explaining how last season’s FA Cup finalists have found themselves in this predicament. Bobby Zamora has notched 11 goals this term, including the fine left footed strike that saw off Everton. Beyond these two no other player contributed more than 2 goals. A total of 28 goals this season is some way short of par.

This leaves the final, dreaded journey to Old Trafford on the final day. Any side facing United on the last day looking for a result for survival knows they are in some trouble. With United at home, and likely to need something themselves for the title, West Ham are up to their necks in it.

It is near impossible to see West Ham winning, unless they have the nerve to sit back and soak up the pressure in the knowledge that United at some stage will have to expose themselves. It would be sheer madness to throw men forward in a bid to outplay United, but also take nerves of steel to allow the clock to run down sufficiently for United to take a few gambles.

Personally I can’t see it. West Ham could have cobbled together enough points by the time they face United to eke out another season in the Premiership. Or possibly United could have thrown the title away before the final day. Just maybe Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad will be so depleted by injury that the Hammers could have the better side, but these are all long shots.

The harsh reality for West Ham is that they could get 6 points from the last 3 games and still come up short. I have them down for 4, which will definitely not be sufficient. From roughly the halfway stage of the season West Ham have been in the relegation zone. Their relative position has steadily worsened to the point where they have looked doomed, only to find themselves by a combination of grit, luck and refereeing blunders on the brink of salvation. However, as the day of judgement draws near, it looks like it could be curtains for West Ham.

Prediction:
Wigan Athletic (a) – 1 point
Bolton Wanderers (h) – 3 points
Manchester United (a) – 0 points
Total – 36 points
Verdict – RELEGATED

Currently:

Premiership – The Final Curtain - Fulham 36 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Wigan Athletic 35 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Sheffield United 35 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Charlton Athletic 33 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – West Ham United 32 points

Kieran McHugh

4451: Premiership – The Final Curtai

by : Kieran McHugh

On the face of it Fulham, currently in 15th place and 3 points clear of Charlton in the final relegation place, have the best chance of staying up. In reality their current form is dire with one win in 17, and they have a very difficult run in. First up they travel to face an Arsenal side who have lost only once on home soil since moving to the Emirates. Next comes a home game against Liverpool, before the final day takes them to the Riverside.

With that fixture list it would take an extreme optimist to think that they will go into that final match safe from the drop. Having sacked Chris Coleman, new manager Lawrie Sanchez will be desperate not only to keep the West Londoners up, but to make himself the obvious candidate for the full time position in doing so.

A defeat looks the most likely result at the Emirates. The 2-2 draw with Tottenham “felt like a defeat” according to Arsene Wenger as his charges came back from a goal down to play some superb football in the second half before succumbing to an unlikely last minute Jermaine Jenas equaliser.

In a bid to secure third spot, Wenger is unlikely to hand out any favours. Fulham may need to be on their mettle not only to avoid defeat but also to avoid shipping goals as the possibility grows that goal difference could yet play a part. It’s difficult to predict anything other than a defeat although Lawrie Sanchez will hope to stir the same underdog mentality that brought Northern Ireland wins against England, Spain and Sweden of late.

After 36 games Fulham look likely to remain on their current total of 36 points.

The game against Liverpool at Craven Cottage could hinge on how the Merseysiders fare in their Champions League semi final. Should they go out against Chelsea, Fulham could pounce and bag themselves some precious points. However, if their visitors are looking forward to Athens and the Champions League final, there will doubtless be a few players keen to impress Rafa Benitez. Erring on the side of prudence, Fulham could eke out a draw taking them to 37 points from 37 games.

The final day is always a time when those clubs at the bottom with survival on their minds are capable of performances completely out of sync with their position in the league. It is highly likely that Fulham will need to get something from a final day visit to the Riverside to be sure of keeping their Premiership place.

Boro on the other hand should have done enough by then, although mathematically they are not yet free from the spectre of the drop. Should the home side be safe it could really affect them in one of two ways. Either they feel the weight of the seasons travails lift from their shoulders and play with a freedom hitherto unknown to them. Or they don’t turn up and Fulham snatch the points.

For my money I feel Boro have a fair team and have steadily improved under Southgate in his first season. The home game on the last day could lift their performance and give Fulham some very nervous moments. I have Boro down to win here, but there is nothing certain about teams playing football under the gun. Fulham have appointed Sanchez for a reason and he may well be able to get a performance out of the team for this vital match.

There may well be only one F in Fulham, but for me there is only one point in Fulham for the remainder of the season. This would bring them to a not so grand total of 37 points and teetering on the brink. In the last 3 Premiership seasons that would be enough to keep them up. If Fulham gain 37 points this season and it’s enough to save them, they will have stumbled over the finish line.

Prediction:
Arsenal (a) – 0 points
Liverpool (h) – 1 point
Middlesbrough (a) – 0 points
Total – 37 points
Verdict – SAFE

Currently:
Premiership – The Final Curtain - Fulham 36 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Wigan Athletic 35 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Sheffield United 35 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – Charlton Athletic 33 points
Premiership – The Final Curtain – West Ham United 32 points

Kieran McHugh

4449: Mexico Clausura Weekly Review

by : Cody Strunk

The penultimate round of matches in the regular league season has left four teams – Pachuca, Guadalajara, America and Cruz Azul – all assured of their play-off places. However, so tight is the scrap for the remaining berths, that the only team without any hope of qualifying for the title deciders going into the last week of the campaign is Veracruz.

Table-topping Pachuca maintained their fine form with a 1:0 win over relegation-threatened Santos, their goal coming from a header midway through the first-half from Colombian defender Aquivaldo Mosquera.

Defending champions Guadalajara had a comfortable 4:0 victory over Veracruz, with Omar Bravo scoring the opening two goals (taking his tally for the season to 11 and putting him top of the individual scoring charts) in a game that summed up what has been a desperate season for the visitors.

America saw off Atlante in the game between the two clubs who share the Azteca Stadium, with an early header from Ricardo Rojas being enough to ensure that America will top Group 3. Atlante still have play-off ambitions, but their task is now that much more difficult. Also in Mexico City, Cruz Azul’s 0:0 draw at home to Toluca ensured that they are safely through to the last eight and also all but ensured that last season’s beaten finalists are out.

The one other game in the capital saw draw specialists UNAM Pumas finish all square for the 10th time in 16 matches after a goal apiece just before half-time. Braulio Luna put the visitors ahead on 40-minutes, but the Brazilian midfielder Ailton Da Silva equalised for Pumas three minutes later.

A goal in each half from Argentinean midfielder Leandro Gracian were the difference between Monterrey and Jaguares Chiapas, both of whom go into their last game of the regular season with remote hopes of claiming a place in the Repechaje that could yet see them qualify for the play-offs. Jaguares were down to 10-men for nearly half-an-hour after defender Jose de Jesus Gutierrez was sent-off.

Elsewhere, UAG Tecos boosted their hopes of qualification with a 4:0 drubbing off Morelia that did little for the visitors’ own aspirations. Chilean midfielder Hugo Droguett bagged the first two for Tecos, before striker Eduardo Lillingston followed suit with a brace in the last 10-minutes. In truth the game was probably up for Morelia following the red card to Colombian striker Luis Gabriel Rey on 35 minutes.

Atlas, who had seemed assured of a place in the Repechaje at the very least, went down to a third straight defeat in losing 2:1 away to Necaxa, with Hector Horacio Gimenez scoring the decisive goal 10-minutes from time. The dismissal of Atlas midfielder Carlos Balcazar two-minutes later sealed their fate.

The battle to avoid relegation will go to the last week, with Queretaro giving themselves renewed hope with a 2:1 win over UANL Tigres. The scores were level after goals a minute either side of half-time from Marcos Antonio Garcia (Queretaro) and Emmanuel Cerda (Tigres), when Uruguayan midfielder Mateo Figoli scored the decisive goal for Queretaro on 63-minutes. Tigres coach Mario Carrillo was sent from his dug-out on 63-minutes, but his team are still well placed to secure automatic passage to the last eight. For Queretaro, they know that victory in their final game at Atlas will keep them in the top-flight.

Cody Strunk

4448: Trebles, Quadruples and More

by : Hugh Larkin

All the talk at the moment is of multiple trophy winning and such achievements are rare in Europe because most countries don’t have two Cup competitions like the UK Leagues. Manchester United are still in the hunt for a second treble - whilst Chelsea have a shot at an even more illustrious quadruple. There have been three trebles in England but a quad in Scotland and even an unlikely septuple (?) in Northern Ireland.

Celtic 1967

Celtic’s legendary 1966-67 season is often talked about as the only quadruple campaign in a senior European League. There have been others but they included trophies such as the Super Cup and World Club Championship which are invitation events.

Celtic’s four were the League, FA Cup, League Cup and of course the stunning win over Inter Milan in Lisbon. The Hoops had the satisfaction of beating Rangers in the League Cup Final and their progress to the FA Cup was aided by Berwick’s shock win over the Gers. There are some who argue that this was a quintuple season because Celtic also pocketed the Glasgow Cup too.

Rangers have also managed trebles. Alex McLeish became the sixth Gers manager to deliver one in 2003 but they have not matched Celtic’s annus mirabilis.

Liverpool 1984

The Reds had nearly pulled off the ultimate treble in 1977 when only defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup Final denied them the League, Cup and European Cup triple.

In 1983-84 the team of Hansen, Rush, Dalglish et al were at the their peak and only the FA Cup eluded them. The League Cup had become their own personal prize as this was the fourth time in a row that pot went to Anfield, although the stiff challenge from Everton in the Final showed that their dominance was under threat.

Surprisingly, Southampton were their closest opposition in the League- the Saints finished only 3 points adrift. It was Brighton who prevented the clean sweep, knocking the Reds out for the second year in a row.

The European Cup was lifted on Roma’s own pitch in what was probably Graeme Souness’ finest performance for the club. The Scot gave a masterly, controlled display that took the heat out of the game.

Manchester United 1999

United achieved what they had denied Liverpool in 1977 by annexing the three biggest prizes. By 1999 winning Premiership titles had become commonplace for United fans but that second European Cup had proved so elusive.

They did it the hard way by beating Inter Milan and Juventus to reach the Final- the latter via an astonishing away win set up by Roy Keane’s greatest night in a United shirt. Then came the late miracle in Barcelona that saw off Bayern Munich.

This was the year that David Beckham came back from the World Cup debacle to step up to superstar status but the title was a still a narrow squeak as Arsenal pushed United all the way and finished just a point adrift, with Chelsea three more back.

The FA Cup Final became something of an anti-climax as Newcastle never really got out of the blocks for the second season running at Wembley.

Liverpool 2001

Gerard Houllier’s side delivered a treble of Cups, winning FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup. At the time it seemed the beginning of a mighty dynasty but the promise wasn’t fulfilled.

Like any Cup run, this wasn’t without some fortune. In the League Cup Final Birmingham were only defeated on penalties and Bluenoses still talk darkly about how Stephen Henchoz got away with a handball at a critical juncture.

The FA Cup Final belonged to Michael Owen- his two predatory strikes beat an Arsenal team who had much the better of the first 75 minutes.

For a side that prided itself on defensive resilience, the UEFA Cup Final turned into an unexpected riot of goals. Alaves of Spain were only subdued 5-4 after a golden goal winner deep in extra time.

Valletta and Linfield

In some domestic leagues with smaller numbers there are often a multiplicity of competitions. In 2000-01, Valletta won all 6 domestic trophies in Malta. That put them one behind Linfield’s incredible 1921-22 campaign when they pocketed 7 trophies.

They repeated the feat in 1961-62 and disappointingly, lost in the Final of an 8th to Glentoran, thus denying the men in blue an ‘Octuple’.

Hugh Larkin
20 April 2007

4444: Manchester United: Carrick Rea

by : Kieran McHugh

When Joe Cole was a twinkle in ‘Arry Redknapp’s eye he was a regular guest on various football shows. A ball juggling wunderkind from the heart of the East End. A creative genius soon to break into the first team in double quick time. Whilst Cole busily proved all of the coaches at West Ham’s academy right, the whisper was that there was a better player emerging from the self same ranks.

Michael Carrick was often touted the better prospect, but when relegation hit the Hammers hard, Cole was snapped up by Chelsea whilst Carrick stayed behind. Once the boy with the ball at his feet, dancing, dazzling and dripping with lan, Cole has become, under Mourinho’s tutelage, a far more rounded player than perhaps even he believed he could be.

For Carrick it has been the road less travelled. After spells at Birmingham and Swindon the Geordie midfielder notched his first senior goal in a 5-0 drubbing of Coventry at Upton Park in January 2000. Carrick finally nailed down a regular place in the West Ham line up in the 2000/01 season and was thereafter a regular. His 101 games for the club yielded only 5 goals, but there was enough about his game for Arsene Wenger to be amongst his many admirers.

The end came when the 2002/03 West Ham side, acclaimed by many as “too good to go down”, succumbed to relegation and were immediately ripe for asset stripping. Cole, Defoe, Kanoute, Johnson and others were soon gone, some with unseemly haste, whilst Carrick’s injuries in that relegation season may have been the reason bidders preferred to defer.

A full season in the Championship followed but a 1-0 defeat in the play-off final spelled disaster for the Hammers, and keen to return to the Premiership, Carrick was now in the market for a move. However, it took an offer from his erstwhile gaffer, Redknapp, during his first spell in charge of Portsmouth, to flush out a bid from North London. The move didn’t come from his long time admirer at Highbury, Wenger perhaps knowing that Cesc Fabregas was progressing nicely, but from White Hart Lane. A £2.75 million followed and Carrick’s career appeared to be back on track.

The move to White Hart Lane initially faltered due to the club’s continual cycle of hope and despair. In an attempt to give the club a “continental” management structure, Frank Arnesen became Tottenham’s Sporting Director and one Martin Jol took over coaching duties. However, the club also selected at the head of the new regime Jacques Santini, fresh from a disappointing Euro 2004 in charge of the French national team and with a pragmatic approach that was at odds with the club’s footballing philosophy.

It was only after Jol took charge that Carrick became a regular for Tottenham. In his first season Spurs finished 9th, missing out on UEFA Cup football. As Spurs took 5th place last season, Carrick’s influence grew with every match.

After 10 matches some fans were still a little unsure, thinking perhaps Arnesen had been sold a pup. After 20 matches, many were hoping that perhaps no one else would notice exactly what it was he was doing as Spurs looked good for an unlikely Champions League spot. After 30 matches it was obvious to anyone with an inkling of footballing nous and at the end of the season United were prepared to break the bank for him.

Herein lies the problem with Carrick though. As good as he is, what he actually does often goes under the radar. Ask any football fan what Cristiano Ronaldo brings to the table for United and they can reel off his attributes one after the other. Likewise Wayne Rooney, whose goals have given United a slender advantage going into the second leg of their Champions League tie. Carrick, though, plays an altogether different type of game.

Always available in midfield, his passing is metronomic, regular and timely. He covers ground, tackles back, not with the ferocity of intent of Roy Keane, granted, but his positional awareness means he is often intercepting passes rather than lunging in to last ditch challenges. In short he makes United tick, everything in midfield goes through him.

Whilst the commentators were rightly lauding Paul Scholes for his impudent flick that was the final ball in the move leading to United’s equaliser against Milan, Carrick’s contribution went largely unnoticed. The first pass forward in the move came from his feet and he was instrumental in keeping the move flowing, orchestrating the attack as he has done countless times for United this season.

The real tests for Carrick are to come. United have won nothing yet. The Guiseppe Meazza is not going to be a walk in the park. Chelsea will not surrender their title without an almighty scrap and that’s before the FA cup final. However as the only major signing for a treble chasing side not generally considered a threat at the start of the season his contribution has been woefully undervalued.

Labelled a “nothing player” ahead of the 7-1 mauling of Roma by that doyen of comically inept punditry, Eamon Dunphy, perhaps this failure to detect his contribution could be a blessing in disguise. United could finish this season as Champions of England or Europe, or both, and could do so with one of their most consistent performers in the most pivotal of positions going largely unheralded.

As Carrick moves the balls this way and that, treasuring possession, collecting from the defence and giving to the attack, the eye of the unbeliever often focuses on the position of Ronaldo or the run that Rooney has made. Discounted by some as simply a midfielder who gives the ball to more talented players in better positions, the simple, obvious, equation of that statement somehow eludes them. For those incapable of seeing what he has brought to United this season, the game will always be a mystery.

4447: Champions League Preview; Che

by : Stephen Orford

Chelsea and Liverpool go head-to-head in an all-English Champions League semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night (April 25).

The tie is a repeat of that at the same stage two years ago, when a controversial Luis Garcia goal was all that separated the sides over the two legs. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho still denies that Garcia’s effort ever crossed the line, while Benitez points out that had the goal not been given then Petr Cech’s foul on Milan Baros in the build-up would have resulted in a penalty kick and a red card for the Czech international stopper.

Relations have scarcely thawed between the two managers since. Mourinho has spent much of his time prior to this one suggesting that Liverpool are no longer a big club due to their consistent failure to challenge for the Premiership title. Meanwhile, Benitez has responded by suggesting that he and the Portuguese tactician were good friends until Liverpool started to pick up silverware under the former Valencia boss.

Whatever the relationship between the two, there is sure to be no love lost on the field throughout what many expect to be 180 minutes of cagey manouvre. Neither side is known for its attacking flair, with both managers placing high emphasis on restricting opponents and counter-attacking at speed. Yet even if the games lack goalmouth incident in comparison to last night’s breathless last four clash between Manchester United and AC Milan, the tension will be considerable.

Enduring the perceived disadvantage of playing at home first, Chelsea go in to the first leg without three key midfielders. Michael Ballack injured an ankle during the goalless draw at Newcastle United on Sunday (April 22), while Dutch star Arjen Robben has a knee problem. Yet perhaps the most significant loss in the middle of the park for the Premiership champions will be that of Michael Essien. The former Lyon driving force is suspended for the first meeting, having picked up a yellow card in the second leg of the quarter final at Valencia.

Ricardo Carvalho has managed to participate in training, that after Mourinho publicly ruled his compatriot out of the game.

For their part Liverpool are almost at full strength, with only Garcia, Harry Kewell and Fabio Aurelio absent. All have been ruled out for the season, with Kewell having not played for the Anfield club at all this term following a string of injuries picked up at the World Cup in Germany last year. Benitez rested Steven Gerrard for Saturday’s 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic at Anfield (April 21), and is certain to bring the England man back into the starting line-up in west London. Whether he will play centrally or wide on the right remains anyone’s guess, with Javier Mascherano, Momo Sissoko and Xabi Alonso all vying for starting roles in midfield.

Craig Bellamy was eased back into action for almost half an hour as a substitute at the weekend, and could be fresh enough to get the nod to start ahead of Peter Crouch. Conversely, the added height and ability to hold on to possession of the former Southampton striker might just earn him a reprieve. Dirk Kuyt’s two goals against Latics seem to cement his place as Benitez’s first choice striker.

At the back, Jamie Carragher should equal Ian Callaghan’s club record of 89 European appearances, marshalling a defence also set to include Steve Finnan who has recovered from a neck injury, Dan Agger and Champions League secret weapon Alvaro Arbeloa.

This will be the third Champions League campaign in succession that these two clubs have met. Following that memorable semi-final of 2005, the pair were drawn together in the group stages of the 2005/06 competition, with both games ending goalless. Both sides progressed from the group, with Liverpool losing to Benfica in the last 16, and Chelsea going down to eventual winners Barcelona at the same stage.

For all their domestic success, the Champions League has so far eluded Mourinho’s men, although the former FC Porto boss did guide the Portuguese side to the title with victory over Monaco in Gelsenkirchen in 2004. Speculation surrounding Mourinho’s future at Stamford Bridge has mellowed in recent weeks, but the capture of the European crown would surely put the rumours to bed for good.

Expect a game of relatively few clear openings but knee-quivering tension, with the stakes so preposterously high. Benitez will be hopeful that his team can shut-out their opponents, while looking to sneak an away goal to take back to Anfield for the return. Likewise, Mourinho will want a solid defensive performance, probably confident that his charges can register on the scoreboard on Merseyside next week.

Verdict; Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0

By Stephen Orford

25 April 2007

4446: Alan Ball; 1945-2007

by : Stephen Orford

"As always when we play Liverpool, they'll defend very hard and try to push Riise up to support the midfield on the counter. I don't expect an open game – please, Rafa, prove me wrong – and there will be plenty of aggression in midfield. Gerrard's always one to watch for his long, Hollywood passes into row Z, but he can obviously score important goals. I'll be interested to see whether Makelele or the more mobile Mikel are tasked with holding that middle ground in front of the defence.

"I can't see the first leg being anything other than very, very cagey. Jose is perfectly happy to take a draw to an away venue and go for the win, as Porto or Valencia will tell you. Of course, now I've said that, watch a nine-goal thriller at the Bridge with a Drogba hat-trick!"

Joe Cole has missed much of the season through injury but he is now back in the fold and is looking fresh and dangerous. He will be able to provide Mourinho with some much-needed natural width, particularly with Ballack’s absence. The German international has struggled to come to terms with the pace of the Premiership but in the past few months Rob has been greatly impressed by Ballack’s “outstanding vision, crisp passing and arrivals into the box”. His crucial experience will be sorely missed, as will Essien, who is in many Chelsea fans’ eyes their player of the season, due to suspension.

Both managers will be aware of the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses as more than £100 million worth of talent takes to the field. And Rob, who would prefer to win a third Premiership title to “watch Fergie’s greatest season at Old Trafford come to a crashing halt” rather than Champions League success, claims if he was given the chance to make a team out of both squads he would only pick two from Anfield.

"It would have to be Alonso and Carragher, I suppose. I've been vilified for this before by Liverpool fans, but I'd have Essien over Gerrard every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Carragher's a fantastic defender but, if we're honest, he's not taking Terry's spot off him and I'd rather have Carvalho alongside JT if only for his mobility and subtlety... the latter is a gift that both Terry and Carragher lack. I might push Alonso into midfield at Ballack's expense, but perhaps that's the Ballack of the season's beginning, not the one we're starting to see now. I'm also biased... I always wanted to be a midfield playmaker, and I'm hugely envious of the cultured touch that players like Alonso can produce."

Apart from the 4-1 thrashing Chelsea handed out at Anfield back in October 2005 when Didier Drogba played out of his skin, games between the two have been notoriously tense and tight affairs. With a place in the Champions League final at stake I can’t see either side going all out attack. Goals may be at a premium but I doubt you will be able to tear yourself from the action.

Colin Illingworth
25 April 2007English football lost one of its heroes on Tuesday night (April 24) when Alan Ball died at the age of 61.

The former Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal, Southampton and England star suffered a heart attack outside his home. He will be best remembered for a match-winning display in the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley, when England secured what is still its only world title to date.

At just 21 years of age, Ball was the youngest member of that now revered 11, and went on to enjoy a 21-year playing career. One of the most enduring images of that 4-2 victory over West Germany in July 1966 is of Ball tearing down the right wing with breathless energy, and providing the cross for Geoff Hurst’s pivotal but controversial extra-time goal.

“He was probably the best player that day and if it had not been for his impact the result could have been totally different.” Remarked former Manchester United and England star Sir Bobby Charlton in tribute, adding;

“He was a sensational little player with great touch and great vision. He had great close control and although he wasn't a fast player he didn't need to be. He could see things clearly and always made the right decisions.”

Ball went on to win 72 caps for England, but finest moment domestically was helping Everton to the league championship in 1969/70, when along with Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey, Ball formed part of what is arguably the greatest midfield corps in the history of the Goodison Park club;

“He was such a bubbly character, it was really Alan who made the partnership with me and Colin work as well as it did.” Offered Kendall, while former England and Southampton team-mate Kevin Keegan offered;

“He was a great player but I think as a person he was even greater.”

At the end of his playing days Ball took the route into management, enjoying two spells at Portsmouth aswell as stints in charge at Colchester United, Stoke City, Exeter City, Southampton and Manchester City. Despite already enjoying cult hero status with the Southampton fans, Ball won over the hearts of the Pompey faithful when he guided the Fratton Park outfit to the top flight in 1987.

He was awarded the MBE in 2000 for his services to football, but sadly decided to sell his World Cup winners medal in 2005. The medal raised over £164,000 at an auction, and showed that despite his achievements on the field Ball would always put the welfare of his family ahead of any other concerns.

Born in Bolton, Lancashire in May 1945, Ball’s wife Lesley was lost to cancer two years ago, and he is survived by his three children. His son Jimmy also spoke of his father’s personal qualities, commenting;

“I would like him to be known as a nice man with a passion for football. He had a big heart and was very generous.”

One of a select band of English footballing world champions, Ball will be remembered for all that and much, much more.

Alan Ball – 1945-2007

By Stephen Orford

25 April 2007

4445: Chelsea vs Liverpool - the fan

by : Colin Illingworth

Chelsea missed out on a glorious opportunity to close the gap on Premiership leaders Manchester United at the weekend but their Quadruple hopes are still alive and kicking. Tonight they take on the five-time European Cup winners Liverpool at Stamford Bridge looking to reach the final of the Champions League for the first time and get some revenge on the team that ended their European ambitions in such controversial circumstances two years ago.

A goalless draw against Newcastle United on Sunday was hardly ideal preparation for Mourinho’s men but Rob Hobson, editor of the Chelsea website www.cfc.net, believes Jose will have made the players put that disappointment behind them, and he is confident of beating the Reds.

"Chelsea look to be to be creaking at the seams a little – hardly surprising with the fixture pile-up we've faced recently, all of which have been "must-win" games. Whilst our opponents really only have the one competition to worry about, though, I always fancy Chelsea to give Liverpool a hard time. Although Liverpool have a good team ethic, the gulf in quality when you look at each team's top players is clear for all to see. Unless you live on Merseyside, of course."

Tonight’s clash is the 13th between the two sides in the past three seasons and there have been many controversial incidents along the way from Drogba and Robben’s theatrics to Garcia’s Champions League semi-final goal, which is still disputed today. Chelsea have won six of those ties but when it comes to the crunch Liverpool always seem to pull it out of the bag. They did it in the semi-final of the Champions League and FA Cup, and they recorded their first Premiership victory over the Blues in three years earlier this season. Liverpool have a great pedigree in cup football and Rob, who is looking for an entertaining match, is full of respect for Rafa’s cup credentials.

"Liverpool seem to save their good form for the cups. I admire Benitez for this: until he builds a side capable of challenging for the league on a consistent basis, it makes perfect sense to push for winnable silverware. From a Blue point of view, though, I don't see it as a real rivalry, because the games are nearly always so stupefyingly dull. The two legs of the semi-final two years ago consisted of 180 minutes of the most soulless, spirit-crushing football I've ever had the misfortune to sit through. I'd cheerfully wave the Scousers through to the final if I thought we'd get a decent game in the process. Actually, that last comment's not strictly true, but it would be nice to see everyone play at the level they're capable of, instead of thrashing out these cagey, unadventurous two handers. Mind you, why should Liverpool bother? It won them the Champions League in 05."

Liverpool fans will freely admit that they are lacking that bit of consistency to mount a serious challenge for the Premiership but when it comes to Europe they believe they are simply unbeatable. Rafael Benitez has a tremendous record in European football and the players hang on to his every word. His tactics are usually 100 per cent spot on and Rob, who is looking for Shevchenko to get the better of Carragher and co, is expecting Liverpool to make it hard for them.

4440: Premiership; Stephen Orford's

by : Stephen Orford

Eight Manchester United players made it into the PFA’s Team Of The Year announced on Sunday evening (April 22), with only Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard, Didier Drogba of Chelsea and Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov breaking the Old Trafford domination.

While it has been a tremendous season to date for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, eight from 11 seems just a little bit excessive. After all, Chelsea are still well in the hunt for three more trophies after landing the Carling Cup in February, while the star names from Liverpool and Arsenal and even upstarts like Reading and Portsmouth have been impressive during 2006/07.

Shaking his head in disapproval at the PFA’s choice, this writer will now attempt to nominate his own 11. United fans can rest assured that their heroes will feature somewhere, but a more varied selection reflects the fact that the Red Devils haven’t won anything yet.

With all the imagination of Sven Goran Eriksson, this selection is arranged in a rigid 4-4-2 formation. Yet it does not feature the added handicap of having Stewart Downing lolloping down the left wing to little effect, nor is Emile Heskey likely to get a mention.

Goalkeeper – David James – Portsmouth. The former England stopper has been one of the main reasons why Pompey still find themselves in contention for a UEFA Cup slot. His record 142nd Premiership clean sheet gained at former club Aston Villa on Sunday was a testament to his longevity aswell as his athletic prowess.

Right-Back – Gary Neville – Manchester United. Persistent injury problems throughout the season have not stopped Neville from featuring as the stand-out right full-back in the division. A bobbly back-pass in Croatia aside, the England defender has hardly put a foot wrong, and just edges the similarly injury prone but rather more raw Emmanuel Eboue of Arsenal.

Left-Back – Matthew Taylor – Portsmouth. Occasionally a midfielder, granted, but often utilised in defence by shrewd car salesman Harry Redknapp. What do you want from a left-back anyway? Boringly consistent performances featuring several aimless clearances down the line, or mesmerising 40-yard volleys like that produced by Taylor at home to Everton in December. And it was not a one-off, as his tally of eight league goals make him the club’s second top scorer behind Kanu.

Centre-Back – Nemanja Vidic – Manchester United. The Serbian defender has enjoyed a sensational debut season at Old Trafford, ruined only by the broken collar bone which could force him out of the rest of the campaign. Strong and solid at the back, Vidic has also provided a potent goal threat for his side, particularly at set-pieces. The perfect choice for this ‘total football’ playing outfit.

Centre-Back – John Terry – Chelsea. A footballer’s worth is often measured by how much he is missed when he is not in the side. Terry’s two months out with a back injury at the turn of the year coincided with a quite desperate spell for the Premiership champions, during which the concession of two goals became the norm in any given match. Since his return to full fitness, Terry has helped shore up the Chelsea rearguard and is leading them back into the title race.

Right-Midfield – Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United. Ronaldo has been the outstanding player in this season’s Premiership, deservedly picking up the PFA Player Of The Year award on Sunday. His sublime skills have managed to make all United fans, and those of many other clubs, forget about his childish World Cup spat with Wayne Rooney, in which the Portuguese ran a full-scale campaign for the dismissal of the former Everton star.

Left-Midfield – Ryan Giggs – Manchester United. Pushed out on to the wing in this side, Giggs has not always occupied the position which made him famous during this Indian summer of a season for the Welsh international. The 33-year-old has been deployed in central midfield and even as a striker at times, and has handled every assignment given to him with the style we have come to expect from one of the greatest players of the modern era.

4443: Manchester United vs AC Milan:

by : Antony Melvin

Milan went into half-time at Old Trafford with one foot in the final. Not dominant in possession they had mostly kept United at arms length in the first half and scored through two sublime break-aways from Kaka. But after half-time Maldini and Gattuso were forced off injured and Milan's attacking threat faded and they conceded an equaliser and then hung on grimly for the final whistle only to concede another late goal. The tie is now in the balance.

Dida 5/10

A doubt for the game and although his saves from Carrick, Ronaldo, Rooney and Fletcher were well judged the first goal was a poor one to concede. After conceding very late against Bayern Munich his critics will enjoy all three goals conceded here.

Oddo 6/10

Played well against either Giggs or Ronldo but was as guilty as anyone for dropping deeper and deeper as Milan tried to hang on to the draw.

Nesta 7/10

Great athleticism to deny Rooney in the first half and to shepherd Ronaldo into the advertising hoardings in the second - kept Milan in the tie as the red tide threatened to swamp Milan in the final 20 minutes.

Maldini 7/10

As superbly consistent as ever, Maldini is metronomic in his play. When replaced, injured, at half time by Bonera it was significant how much more ragged and deep the Milan defence played. But for his injury Milan may well have won this game.

Jankulovski 6/10

Another combative performance as United stuggled to get around Milan in the first half. Went too narrow in the second half as Milan struggled to gain possession or space.

Gattuso 7/10

Injured in the first half Gattuso tried to battle on but was forced off with a sore knee after 52 minuted to be replaced by Brocchi. Typical pit-bull effort.

Pirlo 7/10

Gattuso playmaking oppo threw some lovely passes around but snatched at a couple of shots that might have settled matters.

Ambrosini 6/10

Plenty of endeavour - but little real end product.

Seedorf 8/10

Clarence Seedorf rolled back the years with a great demonstration of the art of possession. Seedorf looks like a man who is not satisfied with three winners medals.

Kaka 9/10

Kaka was the best player on the pitch by a country mile and his acceleration and precision for his two goals were masterful. Denied service in the second half he started to lose patience and could have seen red before the end.

Gilardino 6/10

Before he was replaced by Gourcuff after 84 minutes Gilardino was a willing but limited foil for Kaka. 18m looks a bit pricey for a striker who can't score in Europe.

Substitutes

Kalac, Cafu, Inzaghi, Favalli, Gourcuff (Gilardino 84), Bonera (Maldini 45), Brocchi (Gattuso 52)

Stats

Booked: Kaka, Bonera. Goals: Kaka 22, 37.

United player ratings

Antony Melvin
24 April 2007

4442: Manchester United vs AC Milan:

by : Antony Melvin

A tumultuous night at Old Trafford started and ended well for United with a significant portion of the middle belonging to the brilliant Kaka. United scored early but were 2-1 down at half time - but as the second half wore on United kept pushing Milan back and the final 20 minutes were almost like a siege. All in all United hit the target with 16 shots - three of them eluding Dida. 3-2 to United was probably a fair reflection of the play and the second leg is now very difficult to call.

Edwin Van der Sar 6/10

Seemed slow to get down to both goals and is started to look flustered in simple situations.

John O'Shea 7/10

A good night at full back for the Irishman, who can play anywhere it seems. Combined well with Giggs in the second half when Giggs was switched to the right and put in some telling crosses. Didn't foul anyone in the penalty area - which is a bonus.

Wes Brown 6/10

A solid night for Brown, defending well but looked substandard when Kaka isolated him - but then again who doesn't.

Gabriel Heinze 6/10

The Chuckle brothers moment with Evra for the second Milan goal is balanced by his nuisance value for the first United goal. Always the team man he nearly had Kaka sent off in the second half.

Patrice Evra 5/10

Palpably unfit Evra tried manfully all night and was unfortunate to be booked for disputing a debateable decision. Culpable for the second goal and misses the second leg through suspension.

Darren Fletcher 8/10

Another great European night for the Scotsman. Not required in defence he kept Alan Smith out of the team and his energy and drive harrassed the life out of the Milan midfield and almost yielded a goal.

Michael Carrick 8/10

Another composed and balanced performance, but the Pirlo impersonator really should have scored in both halves - with the second half volley the most telling. Barely misplaced a pass or lost possession all night.

Paul Scholes 7/10

How he avoided a yellow card and a ban from the second leg is amazing, but Scholes enjoyed a slightly more advanced position just behind Rooney - and was on hand for the flick-chip assist for the second goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo 8/10

To see Old Trafford hold its breath as he lay injured against the advertising hoardings is to know how talismanic he is. Ronaldo's header eventually (Dida did have a hand in the goal) opened the scoring and after that Ronaldo kept running at Milan but looked isolated on the left wing in the second half.

Wayne Rooney 8/10

United's best player for two fizzing goals that could easily have been four or five on another night. Rooney ran his socks off, often as the out-ball when the United defence was under pressure either side of half time. But kept going to the end - and the finish for the second goal was mesmeric.

Ryan Giggs 7/10

His interception and through ball for the fifth goal of the night said everything about United's captain - not one of his great performances but Giggs was never afraid to take on a defender or try a difficult pass and United were better as a result.

Substitutes

None used from Kuszczak, Smith, Solskjaer, Dong, Richardson, Eagles, Lee

Stats

Booked: Evra, Giggs. Goals: Ronaldo 6, Rooney 59, 90.

Milan player ratings

Antony Melvin
24 April 2007

4441: Champions League Preview; Man

by : Stephen Orford

Central-Midfield – Steven Gerrard – Liverpool. Despite the best efforts of manager Rafa Benitez to turn Gerrard into a Beckham-esque right-winger, Gerrard has undoubtedly produced his best form on the all too rare occasions that he has been shifted back into his preferred central midfield role. The England man dominates games from that position, and is one of its finest exponents not only in the English game but throughout the world. How else could a team featuring Peter Crouch make it to the last four of the Champions League?

Central-Midfield – Paul Scholes – Manchester United. What no Frank Lampard? No, no Frank Lampard. While the Chelsea playmaker has flattered to deceive at times, Scholes has enjoyed a Giggs-like renaissance after missing most of last season with visual problems. The ginger one has a passing range and an eye for goal that is the equal of any other, and would be the complete player if only he would refrain from trying to tackle.

Striker – Didier Drogba – Chelsea. The Premiership’s top scorer deserves his rightful place in this line-up, even if he does fill the gaps between goals with some of the most outrageous and embarrassing antics seen on a football field since Kevin Keegan’s fight with Billy Bremner in the mid 1970’s. Powerful in the air, and with skill on the ground to match, the Ivorian has been virtually unplayable this term.

Striker – Wayne Rooney – Manchester United. Now the PFA might have plumped for Berbatov to partner Drogba up front, but they probably did so out of guilt having counted the number of Manchester United players already in their 11. Nine would have been bordering on favouritism, and so it was that the 21-year-old England star missed out. Not here, as Rooney’s form in tandem with Ronaldo has provided the football viewing public with some of the most scintillating football action for many a year.

Honourable mentions, and perhaps a place on the bench for Chelsea’s Petr Cech, United’s Rio Ferdinand, Reading’s Kevin Doyle, Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal and Berbatov.

By Stephen Orford

24 April 2007
Manchester United look to make it an all-English Champions League final when they take on AC Milan in the first leg of the semi-final at Old Trafford on Tuesday night (April 24).

With Chelsea taking on Liverpool in the other semi-final, victory for United over the Italians over two legs would ensure that two Premiership sides clash in the Athens showpiece on May 23. It would also be United’s third appearance in a European Cup or Champions League final, having carried off the trophy in 1968 and 1999.

Yet Sir Alex Ferguson’s side face a huge task to fulfil their end of the bargain. Ferguson has seen his squad decimated by injuries in recent weeks, and had only 10 fit players participating in training on Monday (April 23).

Of particular concern is the defence, where all of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are certain to miss out, with Patrice Evra also doubtful. Evra’s absence could be covered by Gabriel Heinze, but the other absences could force Darren Fletcher into action at right-back, with Wes Brown and John O’Shea forming a makeshift central defensive partnership.

Elsewhere, the squad must cope with the loss of midfielders Ji-Sung Park and Kieron Richardson, that after the former West Bromwich Albion loanee was forced off during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough (April 21). Louis Saha is still battling hamstring problems, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also a slight doubt. Alan Smith and Wayne Rooney get set to play up front should the Norwegian miss out, although Rooney could yet be deployed in a wide role on the left side of midfield.

By contrast, Milan have very few injury worries ahead of the trip to Manchester. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has almost a full squad to choose from, with only the cup-tied Ronaldo definitely out of the match. Goalkeeper Dida is a doubt with a shoulder injury, and should he miss out then Australian international Zelijko Kalac will deputise. Expect Milan to employ three midfielders to screen the back four, with the more attack minded Kaka and Clarence Seedorf offering support in behind a lone striker. Favourite for that role is Alberto Gilardino after his return from suspension, although Inzaghi also offers a viable option to Ancelotti.

United fans who believe that there is a first time for everything will not be discouraged by their side’s dismal record in European competition against Milan. The Italians have come through every European tie between the two, and overall have a four wins to two advantage in the six meetings to date. The last time the two sides met, a pair of 1-0 wins sent Milan through to the 2005 Champions League final, where they contrived to blow a 3-0 half-time lead over Liverpool in Istanbul.

United have played some sublime attacking football at home and abroad this term, and will need all of that potency to negotiate this hurdle. Significantly weakened defensively, United’s best chance over the two legs might be to pour forward on the counter attack, hopeful of another match-winning performance from the irrepressible Cristiano Ronaldo. In tandem with Rooney, the seasoned but leggy Milan defence might find it hard to cope with the Portuguese if he is in the groove, and it looks likely that the former Sporting Lisbon man will be the key for Ferguson’s side.

Verdict; Manchester United 2 AC Milan 1

By Stephen Orford

24 April 2007

4438: Prediction Panel 2006/7: Champ

by : Antony Melvin

The semi-finals of the Champions' League has a very English feel to it. On Tuesday a depleted Manchester United take on a in-form AC Milan team - with Milan now favourites to progress over two legs. On Wednesday two more Premiership sides meet in a re-run of the 2005 semi-final that yielded one goal over two legs - and some people believe that that goal didn't actually happen. It would be a surprise if either game sees more than a goal in it.

As a recent form guide, looking at the last ten games - and using league rules for points the semi-finalists would stack up:

           Pl F  A  Pts GD
Chelsea    10 17  5 26 +12
Milan      10 22 10 23 +12
Man United 10 27 11 20 +16
Liverpool  10 14  4 20 +10

So on form a Milan vs Chelsea final is likely.

Tuesday, 24 April 2007

Manchester United (8=) vs AC Milan (1), KO 19:45

Manchester United are hit by some badly timed injuries - but are relying on their attack to get them through. Either side will be delighted with a clean sheet - but it seems unlikely that either will end with one. The comparisons between Kaka and Ronaldo will be exciting, but just as interesting will be comparing Pirlo and Carrick - the injuries make this a tight game. United will be desperate to take some kind of lead to Milan - but would probably be happy with a clean sheet.

United and Milan score more goals and concede more goals than the other semi-finalists.

Manchester United go for broke?
Match Preview
Spreads, hopes and fears

FORM
Manchester United Last 10; W6, D2, L2, F27, A11
Milan Last 10; W7, D2, L1, F22, A10

PREDICTIONS
Hugh Larkin; 2-1���(7/1 at William Hill)
Antony Melvin: 2-1���(15/2 at Blue Square)
Stephen Orford: 2-1���(7/1 at VC Bet)

Wednesday, 25 April 2007

Chelsea (8=) vs Liverpool (3), KO 19:45

Both teams will be looking to keep things tight here - Chelsea will be unwilling to risk an away goal, which could be a killer considering how few Liverpool concede at home and Liverpool are not set-up to over commit in attack. The balance is between a tiring Chelsea team and Liverpool team stripped of competitive football - a draw would be no surprise.

FORM
Chelsea Last 10; W8, D2, L0, F17, A5
Liverpool Last 10; W6, D2, L2, F14, A4

PREDICTIONS
Hugh Larkin; 1-1���(9/2 at William Hill)
Antony Melvin: 0-0���(13/2 at Blue Square)

(figures in brackets are the current provisional UEFA rankings)

4439: Manchester United go for broke

by : Antony Melvin

There is a school of thought that suggests that United will tonight attempt to go for broke and outscore Milan. In some kind of dreamy vision United roll back the years to win 6-4 and all Europe salivates. Obviously this dream is followed by the harsh contrast of a Chelsea/Liverpool tie that could well be settled by the first goal scored.

The basis of this belief is that United’s rickety defence cannot go much longer without conceding a goal – or at least a penalty. And so attack has to be the best form of defence. Demoralise the opposition with goals and subdue their desire to attack.

There is some truth in this theory as United are shorn of their four first choice defenders (Vidic, Neville, Ferdinand, Evra) as well as a couple of likely replacement (Silvestre, Cathcart) leaving just Brown and Heinze as the available defenders. Of course John O’Shea started his career in defence and so can adapt but that is it and the fourth defender will probably be Darren Fletcher – switched from midfield, or an untried youth full-back like Kieran Lee.

With twelve players out on loan – for experience as well as cost reasons – there is the obvious disappointment that a player of Jonny Evans potential has been denied a debut; but nevertheless the defensive realignment will probably impact on midfield as well.

If Fletcher is again deployed at right-back then it will be a shame as his selfless running against Roma so harassed the Italian midfield that United were given a platform for the likes of Ronaldo, Smith, Giggs and Rooney to run riot. Fletcher’s place will be covered by Paul Scholes who is a more composed player, with a far more extensive array of passing – but doesn’t tackle or harry as effectively.

In order to perform in a covering role Scholes will inevitably have to be deeper than Fletcher would be so that he can conserve his energy – and this will drag Carrick backwards. In order to maintain the supply lines Giggs, Smith and Rooney will also withdraw a little leaving Ronaldo to roam free. Rooney and Giggs will probably be deployed on the wings with instructions to track back.

As a result of a weakened defence and the loss of a harrying central midfielder United may actually set themselves up more defensively than usual and depend a bit more on the break with Ronaldo possibly as the lone striker.

A clean sheet will be a bonus for either side and a United side set up to counter-attack will find a Milan side with no taste for committing men beyond the ball. This could result in a stalemate and will certainly be tense and an awful lot closer than the quarter final.

Probable United XI (4-2-3-1):
Van der Sar;
Fletcher, Brown, O’Shea, Heinze;
Carrick, Scholes;
Rooney, Smith, Giggs;
Ronaldo.

Antony Melvin
24 April 2007

4435: Where Did You Get That Name?

by : Hugh Larkin

Every football club has a nickname and some are famous the world over. Mostly the names are from fairly obvious origins such as local industry or the club colours but just occasionally they’re eccentric or just plain strange; from the Flying Donkeys to the Leprosy.

Bury – The Shakers

Around 1900 Bury were the Manchester United of their day, winning two FA Cup Finals and scoring 10 goals to none in the bargain. They gained their unusual title when a club chairman warned that his team would ‘shake up’ the opposition.

Chievo Verona- The Flying Donkeys

It doesn’t sound like a very complimentary title and it wasn’t meant to be but ‘Cheo’ fans have taken to it with enthusiasm. Tiny Chievo have always played second fiddle in their area to the big boys Hellas Verona, a club strong enough to win a Serie A title in the 80s.

The saying went that donkeys would fly before Chievo joined Hellas in Serie A but five years ago the team from the suburbs did just that and have had the satisfaction of watching the fans who coined the phrase eat their words, as Hellas have been out of the top flight.

Villarreal- The Yellow Submarine

A doubly odd one because all yellow strips are rare and the reference to a Beatles song extends to the track being played at home games with the Spanish supporters happily singing along.

West Bromwich Albion – The Baggies

Take your pick on this one- it’s a reference to an ancient full back who wore unfeasibly wide shorts (unlikely) or to the work attire of foundrymen who turned up to support the Albion straight from work (possible).

A third alternative- when the admission was paid in coinage and after the crowd were all in, the cash was carried around the ground leading to fans remarking ‘ here come the bagmen’.

Whichever, it is rarer these days to hear people use the team’s other moniker ‘The Throstles’- a Black Country name for the thrush on the club badge.

Charlton Athletic- The Addicks

Reputedly this comes from a local fishmonger who had his own unique method of urging his team on. The story goes that on Saturdays he would nail a haddock to a stick and wave it about on the terraces. No doubt he’d be asked to sit down, ejected or told to use the official catering today.

Ayr United – The Honest Men

Scottish football took the name of one club from the novelist Sir Walter Scott (Heart of Midlothian) and in another literary reference, Ayr take their nickname from the words of a Robert Burns poem;

“Auld Ayr, wh’am nere a toon surpasses
For honest men and bonny lasses”.

Independiente Rivadavia – The Leprosy

Not the famous Independiente but another of that name in Argentina, a nation that leads the way in obtuse and downright crazy titles. Rivadavia are probably unique in world football in associating themselves with a hideous skin disease. Among the many other clubs using choice names in the country there are Central Balester, who use the title ‘The Rotters’, conjouring visions of comedian Terry Thomas

Trabzonspor- The Black Sea Tempest

Puts all those mild names like the Robins or the Blues to shame- a really epic sounding title for the fans to get behind. Taken from the Turkish club’s proximity to that waterway.

Hugh Larkin
20 April 2007

4437: Watford: Can The Hornets Bounc

by : Stephen Orford

Failure to beat Manchester City at Vicarage Road on Saturday (April 21) confirmed Watford’s relegation to the Championship.

The Hornets have spent just one year in the top flight after beating Leeds United in last season’s Championship play-off final at Cardiff, and have had a momentous struggle throughout their short stay.

The 1-1 draw with Stuart Pearce’s men left them rock bottom of the Premiership table, a position they have occupied for most of the campaign. They are eight points adrift of next-to-bottom West Ham United with only three games remaining, and look dead certs for the wooden spoon in 2006/07.

While manager Aidy Boothroyd will doubtless push his charges as hard as possible in a bid to get off the bottom of the table, his main focus now has to be on plotting a route back towards the Premiership. The Championship seems to get more and more competitive with each passing season, and it is by no means certain that the Hertfordshire club will earn an immediate return to the top table.

The key to their hopes, as with any relegated outfit, is to retain as many of their players as possible for 2007/08. With the exciting talents of Ashley Young already lost to Aston Villa in January, Boothroyd needs to find out which of his current crop of players have the stomach for another scrap in the second tier of English football. Rumours already surround the future of striker Marlon King, who has missed most of this season through injury. Nevertheless, reports continue to link the Jamaican international with a stay in the Premiership, with several candidates thought to be in line to secure his signature.

The loss of King’s goal threat would be a huge blow to Watford. The man who turns 27 on Thursday of this week has netted 24 times in 56 appearances for the Hornets after spells at Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Gillingham and Barnet. Injury has robbed him of the chance to prove himself at the highest level this season, and it may just be that he will be unable to resist the temptation to put that right at this stage of his career. Should a Premiership club come calling, Boothroyd may find it difficult to hang on to his man.

All of which could spell trouble for the young manager, whose side have found goals hard to come by following their promotion. Their tally of 26 league goals is the lowest of any side in the Premiership this season, with top scorer Hameur Bouazza having found the mark just six times in the league. The now departed Young and Damien Francis are next on the list with 3 each, while Hungarian striker Tamas Priskin notched only his second league goal in 15 starts against Manchester City at the weekend.

These men need to find the net more regularly in the Championship next term, while Boothroyd also needs to find a way to stem the flow of goals at the other end. Only West Ham United have conceded more often than Watford this season, with the Hammers shipping in 58 goals to Watford’s 57. Granted, the likes of Didier Drogba, Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry will not be around to make life Hell in the Championship, but there is always a danger that relegated teams start to make losing a habit.

Watford have suffered from a chronic lack of midfield creativity this time around, not helped by the loss of Young half-way through the journey. Francis and Bouazza will be key to the side’s hopes of providing an attacking spark, but both may consider themselves good enough to stay in the big league. Gavin Mahon has just turned 30, but his experience could prove vital in his side’s bid to bounce straight back up.

The ability to do so is something which Boothroyd has every confidence that his side possesses. Talking tough after the City game, the former Leeds United assistant insisted that no players would be sold in the wake of the club’s relegation, and pointed out that there is much to build on for the future.

It is fundamental to the Hornets hopes that Boothroyd is given the time to build on what foundations he has laid in his two years at the helm. Yet time is not a luxury afforded to many managers in the modern game, and a good start to the promotion bid will be key to the futures of both the club and the manager.

By Stephen Orford
23 April 2007

4436: Bayern Munich – Losing Their G

by : David Hulott

The 2:0 defeat at VfB Stuttgart on Saturday, leaves Bayern Munich seemingly set for their first finish outside the top three since 1994-95 (a season when the top six were only separated by six points). Indeed, since then they have only finished outside the top two on one occasion, when finishing third in 2001-02 (just two points adrift of champions Borussia Dortmund).

The greater concern as to their current predicament is that finishing outside the top three would result in failure to qualify for the Champions League – a scenario that is almost unthinkable for a club of their stature. As things stand Bayern are nine-points adrift of leaders Schalke and, as a result of Cacau’s double-strike in little more than a minute on Saturday afternoon, five points short of Stuttgart. With just four matches remaining, Bayern have it all to do if they are to rectify the situation. The remaining fixtures are all winnable – Hamburg (H); Borussia Moenchengladbach (A); Energie Cottbus (A); Mainz (H) – but they are still reliant on results elsewhere and Stuttgart’s run-in looks equally benign.

Much of the damage was probably done before the current campaign even started, with the retirements of Bixente Lizarazu and Jens Jeremies coupled with the departure of Ze Roberto and, in particular, the talismanic Michael Ballack. The later retirement of Sebastian Deisler - a player plagued by fitness and psychological problems - was an additional blow. Lukas Podolski and Daniel van Buyten were sound acquisitions, but Felix Magath paid the price for an indifferent start to the season with his job at the end of January.

Veteran coach Ottmar Hitzfeld was brought in as Magath’s replacement, but despite a run to the quarter-final stage of the Champions League, domestic form has largely continued to disappoint. The club are well aware that changes are needed to playing personnel, with deals already concluded to bring Jan Schlaudraff (Alemannia Aachen), Hamit Altintop (Schalke) and Argentinean Jose Ernesto Sosa (Estudiantes) to the Allianz Arena next season, but more are needed.

There has been speculation linking the club to bids for the likes of Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Luca Toni, although whether such high-profile players could be tempted to join a club – even one as big as Bayern Munich – without the lure of playing in Europe’s major club tournament is open to doubt.

There will also be further departures over the summer, with Bosnian midfielder Hasan Salihamidzic having already agreed a move to Juventus and Owen Hargreaves seemingly destined for Old Trafford. Mehmet Scholl will be retiring at the end of the current season, Iranian star Ali Karimi has already been informed his contract will not be renewed and South American strikers Claudio Pizarro and Roque Santa Cruz both seem set to leave at the end of the current campaign.

Hitzfeld, originally seen as a short-term solution, has now agreed to stay until at least 2008. That seems a good move on the part of the club and, after a summer of transfer activity, it would be no great surprise were Bayern Munich to re-emerge as the team to beat in the Bundesliga next term. Whether it is a season in which they will be playing Champions League football is in far greater doubt though.

David Hulott
22 April 2007

4433: Squarefootball Zeitgeist - Top

by : Antony Melvin

The third and final Zeitgeist for March looks at feature article popularity; 4283 individual feature articles were read in March with about 300,000 reads in total. I'm not including any stats on transfer speculation, betting or inbrief articles in any of these numbers - other sites can fill their boots with inane speculation; but that's their business.

Not all the most read articles were popular with the readers - two articles on Arsenal; Arsenal: The Emirates New Clothes Pt 2 – In The Altogether (rated 2.2/10) and Arsenal: Decline,not transition? (rated 3.1/10) were both rated very poorly. As assessment of Spurs' season run-in was also not popular Tottenham Hotspur; The Premiership Run-In (rated 3.7/10).

By and large the most read articles were also well received with most of the tp 50 scoring 6/10 or better. But as we don't pander to the lowest common denominator (all the time) we do expect to produce some unpopular articles. All the read stats are for March - so all the articles will be showing higher reads now due to the effects of April - or even reads prior to March.

1. Everton; The Run-In - Intertoto No No

Towards the end of March Stephen Orford looked at the Everton run-in and decided that the games left looked likely to deliver straight UEFA Cup football - with no need to resort to the dread Intertoto Cup.

Everton; The Run-In - Intertoto No No
By Stephen Orford
Published: 2007-03-25 08:00
Read: 4522 times in March
Rated: 7.7/10

2. Liverpool: Right Idea, Wrong Execution

In the final week of March Paul Grech looked at Rafa Benitez's idea about B Teams competing in the Championship compared to the Academy/Loan systems already in place - and felt that Accrington Stanley could be the way forward for Liverpool.

Liverpool: Right Idea, Wrong Execution
By Paul Grech
Published: 2007-03-25 08:00
Read: 3157 times in March
Rated: 8.7/10

3. Whatever Happened to Arsenal’s Double FA Youth Cup Winners

In the aftermath of Arsenal's FA Youth Cup semi-final first leg win over Manchester United Paul Grech looked at what happened to the last Arsenal Youth Cup winning side.

Whatever Happened to Arsenal’s Double FA Youth Cup Winners
By Paul Grech
Published: 2007-03-26 09:00
Read: 2953 times in March
Rated: 9.4/10

4. Is Fabregas Now The Man At Arsenal?

Hugh Larkin looked at the popularity of Cesc Fabregas in mid-March, noting that he is a real rising star of The Zeitgeist.

Is Fabregas Now The Man At Arsenal?
By Hugh Larkin
Published: 2007-03-16
Read: 2864 times in March
Rated: 6.7/10

5. Manchester United: Can King Dong come good?

Ah the art of sub-editing, the likely debut of Manchester United's Dong Fangzuo excercised Antony Melvin in March - it still hasn't happened, but the headline was too good a double-entendre to pass up.

Manchester United: Can King Dong come good?
By Antony Melvin
Published: 2007-03-10
Read: 2778 times in March
Rated: 6.6/10

4434: Leeds Edge Perilously Close To

by : David Hulott

6. Squarefootball Zeitgeist: Top clubs in February 2007

The most popular Zeitgeist article to date saw Liverpool top the Squarefootball charts for club page hits - this is getting a bit like navel gazing, isn't it?

Squarefootball Zeitgeist: Top clubs in February 2007
By Antony Melvin
Published: 2007-03-24
Read: 2476 times in March
Rated: 5.0/10

7. Arsenal: The Emirates New Clothes Pt 2 – In The Altogether

Kieran McHugh made some unpopular assertions in March - the worst received was this piece where he queried some print press journalists belief that this Arsenal team will soon be brilliant.

Arsenal: The Emirates New Clothes Pt 2 – In The Altogether
By Kieran McHugh
Published: 2007-03-13
Read: 2236 times in March
Rated: 2.2/10

8. Arsenal: Decline,not transition?

In the wake of further bad results, Sam Cullen revisited Arsenal's progress - with slightly better feedback.

Arsenal: Decline,not transition?
By Sam Cullen
Published: 2007-03-28
Read: 2135 times in March
Rated: 3.1/10

9. Tottenham Hotspur; The Premiership Run-In

Published late in February, Stephen Orford's controversial(?) look at Spurs' run-in was a slow burner attracting thousands of hits in February, March and April.

Tottenham Hotspur; The Premiership Run-In
By Stephen Orford
Published: 2007-02-28
Read: 1979 times in March
Rated: 3.7/10

10. Liverpool’s Evolution Since Istanbul

Hugh Larkin assessed Liverpool's team building since that glorious night in 2005 and concluded that Liverpool are now significantly stronger - is a repeat on the cards?

Liverpool’s Evolution Since Istanbul
By Hugh Larkin
Published: 2007-03-13
Read: 1834 times
Rated: 7.0/10

11-30

11. Andrei Voronin: Good Enough Liverpool? By Paul Grech
12. Prediction Panel 2006/7: UEFA Cup last 16, first leg, previews and predictions By Antony Melvin
13. Tottenham Hotspur: Cup half empty or half full? By Sam Cullen
14. Champions League Preview; Liverpool v Barcelona By Stephen Orford
15. Barton could be next piece of Everton jigsaw By Paul Meadows
16. UEFA Cup: 20 Handy Facts About Sporting Braga By Hugh Larkin
17. Prediction Panel 2006/7: FA Cup Quarter Finals, preview and predictions By Antony Melvin
18. Prediction Panel 2006/7: UEFA Cup Last 16 - second legs, previews and predictions By Antony Melvin
19. Tottenham: Cup Half Full By Kieran McHugh
20. Prediction Panel 2006/7: FA Cup Quarter Final replays - previews and predictions By Antony Melvin
21. West Ham United; Is There Any Hope? By Stephen Orford
22. David Healy: The Superstar From the Championship By Hugh Larkin
23. He Should Do Well: Dean Bouzanis (Liverpool) By Paul Grech
24. Arsenal: Why Would A Linesman Lie? By Hugh Larkin
25. Whither Leeds United? By Kieran McHugh
26. Champions League Preview; Arsenal v PSV Eindhoven By Stephen Orford
27. Manchester City; Premiership Run-In: Survival Depends On Charlton's Form By Stephen Orford
28. Champions League Preview; Manchester United v Lille By Stephen Orford
29. Footballer of the Year- Drogba v. Ronaldo By Hugh Larkin
30. Leicester, Coventry, Sheffield Wednesday: takeover focus switches to the Championship By Alex Wolstenholme

Antony Melvin
22 April 2007Defeat at Southampton on Saturday has left Leeds United clinging to their Championship status by their fingernails, with just two games to save themselves from dropping into the third tier of English football for the first time in their history.

Leeds can usually be relied upon to hit the self-destruct button these days and the trip to Southampton was no different. Playing for an hour with 10-men is hardly an ideal situation at the best of times, let alone for a team desperately battling against relegation, so the first-half dismissal of Alan Thompson at St Mary’s Stadium did little to help the cause. Sure enough, despite a spirited effort, Bradley Wright-Phillips popped up with six minutes remaining to secure the points for Southampton and condemn Leeds to their 25th league defeat of the campaign and leaving them deep in trouble.

The situation was made even more desperate by events at the Britannia Stadium, where one Nick Barmby - a player still on the Elland Road payroll until last summer, despite having left the club in July 2004 – scored an injury-time equaliser for Hull City to take an invaluable point at Stoke City.

The outlook now for Leeds is particularly grim, with two relegation places alongside the already demoted Luton Town now realistically down to a three-way scrap between Leeds, Hull and Southend United following crucial wins on Saturday for QPR, Leicester City and Barnsley.

In reality Southend have probably left it too late, even though they are at home to hapless Luton next weekend, they would be relying on the other two to slip up in both their remaining matches and then going on to win on the last day at Southampton themselves. It’s possible of course, but fairly unlikely in reality.

The real battle would appear to be between Hull and Leeds for the final unwanted place in League One next season and the remaining fixtures seem to favour The Tigers. Coupled with the fact that Phil Brown’s team are already a point better off than Leeds and with a vastly superior goal difference, it really is beginning to look as if the most eagerly anticipated game at Elland Road next season could be the visit of Doncaster Rovers.

Hull’s remaining games are away to a desperately out of sorts Cardiff City (hardly likely to want to do any favours for Leeds given recent history) next Saturday and then at home to Plymouth Argyle on the last day. Any club searching for points at this stage of the season would struggle to pick more suitable opposition than two mid-table clubs with nothing left to play for. For their part, Leeds play host to Ipswich Town next weekend, but then face a trip to a Derby County side that are likely to need a positive result in their quest to clinch a place in the Premiership next season.

There have been signs of fight in recent weeks, but frankly one would expect nothing less from any team in such a predicament. It might also be more than coincidence that the home form has picked up considerably since Ken Bates finally saw sense in lowering admission prices for some games.

Should Leeds find themselves consigned to League One at the season’s end, there will be inquests aplenty into the latest chapter of the club’s dramatic fall from grace – the frequently poor conduct of Wise, the lack of transfer funds, the vast number of players used, the refusal to select certain players for one reason or another and the decision to trust in veteran players on short-term contacts and loan deals.

Those are all subjects for another day though. For the time being, Leeds still have hope, albeit diminishing hope, of avoiding the drop into League One, just six years after appearing in a Champions League semi-final. Should they come up short, next season main hope of silverware could be the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

David Hulott
21 April 2007

4432: PFA Young Player of the year 2

by : Antony Melvin

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) is a nominee for the Young Player of the Year in 2007 - and could become the first triple winner. But he faces stiff competition from Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) who is also favourite for the senior award. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) is maturing into a fabulous player and is also nominated for both awards. Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur) is nominated after his emergence as a key England player; Micah Richards (Manchester City) became the youngest England defender ever capped this season and Kevin Doyle's nomination reflects his marvellous first Premiership season - even if at 23 he is a touch old for a nomination.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) was named the 2007 PFA Young Player of the Year, with Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) second and Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur) third.

PFA Young Player of the Year 1974 - 2007

• 1974 Kevin Beattie Ipswich Town
• 1975 Mervyn Day West Ham United
• 1976 Peter Barnes Manchester City
• 1977 Andy Gray Aston Villa
• 1978 Tony Woodcock Nottingham Forest
• 1979 Cyrille Regis West Bromwich Albion
• 1980 Glenn Hoddle Tottenham Hotspur
• 1981 Gary Shaw Aston Villa
• 1982 Steve Moran Southampton
• 1983 Ian Rush Liverpool
• 1984 Paul Walsh Luton Town
• 1985 Mark Hughes Manchester United
• 1986 Tony Cottee West Ham United
• 1987 Tony Adams Arsenal
• 1988 Paul Gascoigne Newcastle United
• 1989 Paul Merson Arsenal
• 1990 Matthew Le Tissier Southampton
• 1991 Lee Sharpe Manchester United
• 1992 Ryan Giggs Manchester United
• 1993 Ryan Giggs Manchester United
• 1994 Andrew Cole Newcastle United
• 1995 Robbie Fowler Liverpool
• 1996 Robbie Fowler Liverpool
• 1997 David Beckham Manchester United
• 1998 Michael Owen Liverpool
• 1999 Nicolas Anelka Arsenal
• 2000 Harry Kewell Leeds United
• 2001 Steven Gerrard Liverpool
• 2002 Craig Bellamy Newcastle United
• 2003 Jermaine Jenas Newcastle United
• 2004 Scott Parker Chelsea
• 2005 Wayne Rooney Manchester United
• 2006 Wayne Rooney Manchester United
• 2007 Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United

Winners by club

• 8 Manchester United
• 5 Liverpool
• 4 Newcastle United
• 3 Arsenal
• 2 Aston Villa, Southampton, West Ham United
• 1 Chelsea, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Luton Town, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur, West Bromwich Albion

Winners by club location

• 9 Manchester
• 7 London
• 5 Liverpool
• 4 Newcastle
• 3 Birmingham/Black Country
• 2 Southampton
• 1 Ipswich, Leeds, Luton, Nottingham

Winners who subsequently managed their country

• Glenn Hoddle (England)
• Mark Hughes (Wales)

Winners by Nationality

• 25 England
• 5 Wales
• 1 Scotland, France, Australia, Portugal

Multiple winners

2 Ryan Giggs (1992 & 1993), Robbie Fowler (1995 & 1996), Wayne Rooney (2005 & 2006)

A former winners XI

Mervyn Day (1975) Lee Sharpe (1991) - Kevin Beattie (1974) - Tony Adams (1987) Ryan Giggs (1992, 1993) - Paul Gascoigne (1988) - Steven Gerrard (2001) - Glenn Hoddle (1980) - David Beckham (1997) Wayne Rooney (2005, 2006) - Ian Rush (1983)

(3-5-2 Lee Sharpe did play at left-back sometimes and is drafted into the defence)

Antony Melvin
22 April 2007 & 28 April 2005

4416: PFA Player of the Year 2007: H

by : Antony Melvin

The PFA Player of the Year for 2007 will be picked next week from a shortlist of six players. Manchester United dominate the nominations with Cristiano Ronaldo the obvious favourite, as well as the veterans Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. One each from the other 'big four' teams make up the six. The 2006 winner Steven Gerrard from Liverpool; Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas; and Chelsea's Didier Drogba.

The domination of the 'big four' continues and 2007 will be eighth successive season that the player of year comes from the ranks of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) was named the 2007 Players' player of the year; Didier Drogba (Chelsea) was second with Paul Scholes (Manchester United) third.

WINNERS 1974 to 2007

• 1974 Norman Hunter Leeds United
• 1975 Colin Todd Derby County
• 1976 Pat Jennings Tottenham Hotspur
• 1977 Andy Gray Aston Villa
• 1978 Peter Shilton Nottingham Forest
• 1979 Liam Brady Arsenal
• 1980 Terry McDermott Liverpool
• 1981 John Wark Ipswich Town
• 1982 Kevin Keegan Southampton
• 1983 Kenny Dalglish Liverpool
• 1984 Ian Rush Liverpool
• 1985 Peter Reid Everton
• 1986 Gary Lineker Everton
• 1987 Clive Allen Tottenham Hotspur
• 1988 John Barnes Liverpool
• 1989 Mark Hughes Manchester United
• 1990 David Platt Aston Villa
• 1991 Mark Hughes Manchester United
• 1992 Gary Pallister Manchester United
• 1993 Paul McGrath Aston Villa
• 1994 Eric Cantona Manchester United
• 1995 Alan Shearer Blackburn Rovers
• 1996 Les Ferdinand Newcastle United
• 1997 Alan Shearer Newcastle United
• 1998 Dennis Bergkamp Arsenal
• 1999 David Ginola Tottenham Hotspur
• 2000 Roy Keane Manchester United
• 2001 Teddy Sheringham Manchester United
• 2002 Ruud van Nistelrooy Manchester United
• 2003 Thierry Henry Arsenal
• 2004 Thierry Henry Arsenal
• 2005 John Terry Chelsea
• 2006 Steven Gerrard Liverpool
• 2007 Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United

WINNERS BY CLUB

• 8 Manchester United
• 5 Liverpool
• 4 Arsenal
• 3 Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa
• 2 Newcastle United, Everton
• 1 Blackburn Rovers, Derby County, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Chelsea

WINNERS BY CLUB LOCATION

• 8 London, Manchester
• 7 Liverpool
• 3 Birmingham
• 2 Newcastle
• 1 Blackburn, Derby, Ipswich, Leeds, Nottingham, Southampton

MULTIPLE WINNERS

2 Thierry Henry, Mark Hughes, Alan Shearer (the only winner awarded whilst at 2 different clubs)

WINNERS OF SENIOR AND YOUNG PLAYER IN THE SAME SEASON

• Andy Gray, Aston Villa 1977
• Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United 2007

WINNERS BY POSITION

• 17 forwards
• 7 midfield
• 4 defenders
• 4 wingers
• 2 goalkeepers

WINNERS WHO HAD BEEN SOLD BECAUSE THEY WERE 'PAST THEIR BEST'

• Kevin Keegan, Southampton 1982
• Paul McGrath, Aston Villa 1993

WINNERS NOT WITH A TEAM THEY ARE MOST CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH

• Kevin Keegan - Southampton
• Gary Lineker - Everton
• Alan Shearer - Blackburn Rovers
• Paul McGrath - Aston Villa
• Teddy Sheringham - Manchester United

Antony Melvin
22 April 2007

4430: Argentina Clausura Weekly Revi

by : Cody Strunk

The Buenos Aires derby – El Superclasico – between Boca Juniors and River Plate with honours even after a 1:1 draw at La Bombonera, although the visitors will be far the happier with the result. Not only were they a goal down after just a minute to a Pablo Ledesma goal, but they had none of their own supporters in the stadium due to security measures. To their credit Daniel Passarella’s men bounced back straight after the break to equalise through Mauro Rosales.

That result enabled San Lorenzo to return to the top of the table with a 1:0 win at home to Gimnasia La Plata, the impressive Gaston Fernandez scoring the only goal after 17-minutes. Defending champions Estudiantes missed out on taking closer order at the top though, after being held to a goalless draw at home to Lanus.

That was one of three goalless matches over the weekend, with Gimnasia Jujuy and Argentinos Juniors sharing the points a at the Estadio 23 de Agosto and relegation-bound Quilmes also finishing all square in their game with Arsenal de Sarandi at the Estadio Centenario.

In terms of entertainment, the game of the weekend was probably Velez Sarsfield’s 3:2 win away to Banfield. A couple of goals from Damian Escudero had the visitors 2:0 up after just four minutes and the points looked to be in the bag when Gustavo Balvorin put Velez 3:0 up after 17-minutes. Banfield did at least manage to give the scoreline some respectability with goals from Javier Sanguinetti and Dario Cvitanich, but there was no way back.

Godoy Cruz increased their chances of avoiding demotion to Nacional B at the end of the season with a 2:0 win at Independiente, a result that increased talk of a crisis at the home team. Both the goals for Godoy Cruz came within a minute just after the halfway point of the second-half. Another under-performing team, Racing Club, could only claim a point away to Colon, for whom Diego Reynoso headed a late equaliser to leave Racing with just one league victory in nine matches this term.

Elsewhere, Rosario Central gained a 3:0 win over Nueva Chicago, ending a run of five straight defeats and pushing the visitors ever closer to the prospect of automatic relegation. Newell’s Old Boys secured a 2:0 win away to Belgrano, a goal in each half from the prolific Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo proving decisive. Veteran striker Marcelo Delgado was red-carded for Belgrano with 10-minutes reamining.

Cody Strunk

4429: Ryan Giggs Should Have Been Fo

by : Hugh Larkin

When Ryan Giggs name appeared on the list of nominees for the PFA Player of the year prize it highlighted a strange quirk of these trophies- the peerless Welshman has won neither the Players, nor the Football Writers version, despite his years of excellence throughout the Premiership’s history.

It is very likely that Giggs won’t be adding his name to either list this year either, given the stellar seasons that Christiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba have put together, plus the swell of professional opinion that leans towards the revived Paul Scholes.

If Giggs was going to win this sort of pot, it would probably have been back in the late 1990s when Manchester United were in their pomp. Unfortunately, United were able to provide a number of gifted candidates and his colleagues Cantona, Keane - and later Van Nistelrooy- all picked up the individual accolades before him.

Strange to say this about such a talented, gifted individual but Giggs has suffered from not being exciting enough. Too often the two awards have gone to a player who though brilliant, has tended to throw in a lot of showmanship, razzle dazzle and a mercurial temperament to boot. That has never been the Giggs way.

So while the winger (although he’s so much more these days) has drifted serenely on as the only player to have completed every Premiership campaign with the same club, the individual honours went to the likes of David Ginola, Chris Waddle or Robert Pires for their skills, or Les Ferdinand and Clive Allen for their goals.

These players were tremendous in their way- though possibly they peaked for one season- but none of them have the sustained excellence and contribution that Giggs has to Manchester United’s successes. In recent years the tendency has been to give the prizes for goals, pure and simple, though John Terry bucked that trend last year.

Ryan Giggs problem has been that his efforts have never been packed into one stellar season, plus he never has been a prolific goal scorer. After the initial excitement he generated when he came on the scene, he made his tormenting of defenders look effortless and almost commonplace.

First he paraded his skills in a side dominated by the uber-leader Eric Cantona and when the Frenchman departed to early retirement he found himself one part of a phenomenal midfield quartet- Beckham, Keane, Scholes and Giggs. Two of this classic blend attracted a multitude of headlines while the other duo were self-effacing to a fault.

If there was a footballing reason why Giggs didn’t win the awards in the 90s it was probably the question of delivery. Though the Welshman was clearly a more skilful forward than David Beckham he came off badly in a comparison with his wing partner’s final ball percentage.

If that was a slight negative then, it’s gone for good now. Over the past few seasons there has been the re-invention of Giggs as a player in the middle of the park, which has reached its full fruition this year. In a withdrawn or even free role, he’s been able to create havoc.

His footballing brain has made him almost unmarkable and caused huge uncertainty in the opposition. He’s used the freedom to exploit the talents around him and demonstrated that the delivery is certainly in top shape now. The variety of his passing game has surprised those who would still call him a winger.

He retains enough of his former blistering pace to take part in United’s incisive counter-attacks and all his colleagues benefit from his willingness to play for the team and always transfer the ball to those in a better position. Finally, the youngster once called the new George Best, has lasted long enough to be a senior pro and watch that burden pass to Ronaldo.

There have been awards of course- the greatest FA Cup goal ever (1999), U-21 European Footballer of the Year (1993), voted into the Premiership Team of the Decade and a place in Hall of Fame (2005).

The suspicion is that Ryan Giggs will end his career without the Football Writers or Players award that he deserves but it probably won’t bother him. He’s focused on adding a second European Cup, a 9th Premiership title and a 5th FA Cup Winners Medal- now those are the sort of prizes that are really worth having.

Hugh Larkin
20 April 2007

4431: Prediction Panel 2006/7: Prem

by : Antony Melvin

Just two games today, but both have a bearing on the race for the title and European qualification next season. With Manchester United stumbling to a home draw yesterday Chelsea (1) have the opportunity to move to just one point adrift at Newcastle (13). And Aston Villa (11) have an outside chance of finishing seventh - but face a Portsmouth (9) team with a much more realistic chance.

Sunday, 22 April 2007

Aston Villa (11) vs Portsmouth (9), KO 16:00

Aston Villa probably need to win all four remaining fixtures to stand any chance of a top seven finish but face a difficult assignment against a Portsmouth side that can move back into seventh with a win. Yesterday only Reading won of the contenders for the 5th to 7th places - and for either side a win will be useful. Neither side scores a lot of goals - Villa 17 goals from 17 home games; Portsmouth 17 away goals from 17 away games - and so this could be decided by the first goal.

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 2-2
Antony Melvin: 1-1

Newcastle United (13) vs Chelsea (1), KO 13:30

Newcastle face Chelsea with European qualification now likely to require another round of the Intertoto Cup - and with little to motivate them there is little backing for the home side on this one. Chelsea just keep on winning - not always pretty, but this is a results business. Who would back against a third consecutive title for Jose Mourinho?

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Away
Colin Illingworth: 1-3
Antony Melvin: 0-1

Squarefootball Prediction League Table

(figures in brackets represent current league positions)

4427: Premiership Preview; Liverpoo

by : Stephen Orford

Liverpool continue their quest to seal third place in the Premiership when they play host to Wigan Athletic on Saturday (April 21).

The Reds meet the relegation threatened Latics within half an hour of the final whistle of Arsenal’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, a match which could see Arsene Wenger’s side leapfrog Liverpool in the standings once more. Yet such a move could be temporary, as Rafa Benitez’s side will be strongly fancied to see off Paul Jewell’s battling but troubled outfit.

Liverpool welcome back Craig Bellamy and Xabi Alonso for this one. Bellamy has been out of action since picking up a knee injury in the second leg of the Champions League quarter final against PSV Eindhoven 10 days ago, while Alonso missed the midweek win over Middlesbrough with a thigh strain. Both are in contention for starts as it is likely that Benitez will shuffle his pack in the now time honoured fashion. A Champions League semi-final against Chelsea is coming up on Wednesday night (April 25), and Benitez may wish to keep some of his stars fresh with that in mind.

Wigan were rocked this week by the news that both Chris Kirkland and Fitz Hall are likely to miss the rest of the season through injury. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Kirkland is having shoulder surgery brought forward, while Hall picked up a knee injury in the 1-1 draw at Aston Villa on Easter Monday (April 9). John Filan will continue to fill the void between the sticks for Latics, who are just three points clear of the relegation zone and face a tough battle to preserve their Premiership status. In the absence of Hall, Matt Jackson and Arjan de Zeeuw are set to form the central defensive partnership with Emmerson Boyce filling in at right-back. Jackson’s former Everton team-mate David Unsworth is also doubtful after suffering a groin strain.

Further forward Jewell has concerns over Lee McCulloch. The Scottish international has settled into some good form after attempting to engineer a move to Rangers in January, but looks set to miss the trip to Anfield with a bruised foot. Ecuadorian midfielder Antonio Valencia is suspended after his horror tackle on Wilfred Bouma during that Villa draw, and so Josip Skoko could make his 25th appearance of the season.

Wigan’s inexperience at this level makes this only the fourth league meeting between these two. Liverpool have won all three, the last of which was a 4-0 drubbing at the JJB Stadium in December when all the goals came in the first 45 minutes. Wigan’s last visit to Anfield was equally fruitless, with goals from Peter Crouch and Luis Garcia added to by what was eventually classed as an own goal by stand-in Latics’ keeper Mike Pollitt in December 2005.

Jewell’s side are desperate for the points but it is well documented that they have yet to beat one of the league’s so-called ‘Big Four’ since winning a place in the top flight. They are unlikely to buck that trend here, with Benitez’s side almost certain to have too much class and power, particularly in front of their own fans.

Verdict; Liverpool 3 Wigan Athletic 0

By Stephen Orford

21 April 2007

4426: Prediction Panel 2006/7: Prem

by : Antony Melvin

At this stage of the season is the title race ultimately more important than the relegation scrap? Probably, but the big game of the day is at the Valley where a Charlton (18) win could propel them as high as 15th - and defeat against Sheffield United (17) would push them to the brink of the drop. Man United (1) will look to ease back some injured players against a Middlesbrough (14) team with nothing but pride to play for. The other relegation candidates will have an eye on The Valley, but Fulham (16) can save themselves against mid-table Blackburn (10) and Wigan (15) will hope Liverpool (3) will have Chelsea on their minds. Watford (20) will be relegated today barring a mathematical miracle and West Ham (19) may have just one more games grace if they lose to in-form Everton (5).

Saturday, 21 April 2007

Bolton Wanderers (6) vs Reading (9), 15:00

Bolton are closing in on a club record points tally in the top flight - something that Reading will obviously also set this term. This will be tight as Reading are only a point shy of a UEFA Cup place - but a home win all but assures Bolton of European football, and the team will be hugely committed as a result.

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 2-1
Antony Melvin: 2-1
Stephen Orford: 2-1

Charlton Athletic (18) vs Sheffield United (17), 15:00

Looking at how relaxed Neil Warnock looked on 'A Question of Sport' this week, the show must have been recorded. This is another tension wracked fixture that neither side can afford to lose. The Blades tend to play an attacking 4-4-2 in these games and will expect to score - a Charlton win will surely rely on Darren Bent getting a couple.

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Draw
Colin Illingworth: 2-1
Antony Melvin: 1-1
Stephen Orford: 2-1

Fulham (16) vs Blackburn Rovers (10), KO 15:00

Lawrie Sanchez's team cannot drop into the relegation zone as the two teams below them play each other - but another unfortunate result could leave Fulham on the edge of darkness. Blackburn have a faint chance at UEFA Cup qualification - but is that more motivation than Fulham's? Tough one to call.

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 1-2
Antony Melvin: 1-1
Stephen Orford: 1-3

Liverpool (3) vs Wigan Athletic (15), 15:00

With Liverpool preoccupied with Europe this could be an ideal time for Wigan to edge a little closer to safety. Wigan probably need four more points to be safe - but one here would be a real bonus. Liverpool are playing well - but I suspect that a few fringe players will start and it could be a disjointed performance.

Liverpool vs Wigan - Match Preview

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 3-1
Antony Melvin: 0-0
Stephen Orford: 3-0

Manchester United (1) vs Middlesbrough (14), KO 17:15

United are taking this one game at a time and their defence could be back to something a little more appropriate than the Fletcher, Richardson, Heinze and Brown combination that finished the midweek game against Sheffield United. Middlesbrough usually do well against United but are playing for pride - and United are desperate for the win.

Man United vs Middlesbrough - Match Preview

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 3-1
Antony Melvin: 2-1
Stephen Orford: 3-1

Tottenham Hotspur (8) vs Arsenal (4), KO 12:45

Arsenal's recent slump in form which saw their unbeaten home record go in a welter of defeats to Everton, Liverpool and West Ham looked to have been reversed when victory over Bolton all but sealed fourth place and was followed up with a win against Man City. Arsenal players may well feel that they have done enough this season - especially as the takeover speculation flies about. The players may be a touch confused at the sudden turn of events and may not be as focused as usual. Spurs have haven't won for four games but are scoring goals and will fancy they can prey on Arsenal's uncertainty - they certainly won't get a better chance. Will Spurs wave fake dollar bills at Arsenal fans who so enjoyed waving them at Man United fans a couple of years ago?

Spurs vs Arsenal: Preview, spreads and fake dollar bills
Spurs vs Arsenal - Match Preview

FORM
Tottenham Hotspur Last 10; W4, D3, L3, F20, A18
Arsenal Last 10; W4, D2, L4, F10, A11

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 2-2
Antony Melvin: 2-1
Stephen Orford: 2-3

Watford (20) vs Manchester City (13), KO 15:00

Watford will be relegated today; with Sheffield United and Charlton playing that match will end with Watford at least 12 points from safety, with three games left after today and a vastly inferior goal difference. So hopefully Watford will play with the freedom they showed against Portsmouth and give their fans something to cheer about - City are probably ideal opponents.

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 1-2
Antony Melvin: 1-0
Stephen Orford: 0-0

West Ham United (19) vs Everton (5), 15:00

The Hammers are looking desperate. The best a win today would do would be to take them within three points of safety - the worst case scenario will see West Ham eight points from safety with three games left tonight. Getting anything against a determined Everton outfit, who are probably three points away from securing a top six finish, will be tricky. A defeat here and next weekend could see West Ham relegated.

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 2-1
Antony Melvin: 0-1
Stephen Orford: 0-1

(Figures in brackets represent current league position)

4428: Mexico Clausura Weekly Review

by : Cody Strunk

With just two rounds of matches in the regular league season remaining, the picture is beginning to look a little clearer at both ends of the table.

Table-topping Pachuca maintained their excellent form with a 2:0 win at Toluca, unquestionably the most under-achieving team this season. America confirmed their place in the title play-offs with a 2:1 win over UAG Tecos, a result that did nothing for Tecos own ambitions. The late red card for Argentinean defender Diego Colotto certainly will do little to help their cause either.

Another team all but assured of a place in the play-offs is Cruz Azul, who battled back from two goals down to secure a point at Jaguares Chiapas. Jared Borgetti scored the visitors first with 20-minutes remaining, but they left it until deep into injury-time before substitute Miguel Sabah scored the equaliser. The fight-back came despite the visitors being down to 10-men for most of the second-half after the dismissal of Israel Lopez, although both teams were a man short by the time of the equalising goal after Felipe Ayala was sent-off for Jaguares with a minute of normal time remaining. Earlier Javier Campora bagged his 10th goal of the campaign for Jaguares, putting the Argentinean clear as the season’s top scorer.

Guadalajara secured bragging rights in the second city derby with a 2:0 win over Atlas, a result that also made sure of their place in the play-offs. The result leaves Atlas looking increasingly reliant on needing to win through a qualifying play-off (Repechaje) if they are to take their place in the quarter-finals.

UANL Tigres are still well placed to qualify from Group 3, although they will feel that it was two-points dropped at home to Necaxa in a 1:1 draw. National team striker Francisco Fonseca headed Tigres in front 10-minutes before the break, but a Hector Gimenez header levelled things up for Necaxa on 80-minutes. Morelia gave themselves hope of at least making the Repechaje after beating UNAM Pumas 2:1, a win that saw them leapfrog their opponents in Group 3.

It was a desperately bad weekend for Queretaro, who went down to a 1:0 defeat courtesy of a goal from Uruguayan veteran striker Sebastian “El Loco” Abreu just after the break at local rivals San Luis. They are now coming adrift at the foot of the percentage table after Santos saw off Atlante 3:0, all their goals coming in 13-minutes midway through the second-half, two of which were scored by Argentinean midfielder Daniel Luduena.

Veracruz still prop-up the regular league table, although they did end a run of four straight defeats with a 0:0 draw at home to Monterrey. The result was all the more impressive given that they played the last hour with 10-men after the first-half dismissal of midfielder Omar Rivera, although their form this term does suggest that they could struggle to stay clear of the drop-zone themselves this time next year.

4424: Arsenal; The Power Struggle

by : Stephen Orford

11-30

11. (6) West Ham United
12. (18) Wigan Athletic
13. (23) PSV Eindhoven (Top Dutch team)
14. (17) Charlton Athletic
15. (16) Sheffield United
16. (13) Manchester City
17. (-) Sunderland
18. (12) Celtic (Top Scottish team)
19. (-) Rangers
20. (14) Blackburn Rovers
21. (-) Juventus
22. (19) Motherwell
23. (11) Barcelona (Top Spanish team)
24. (-) Real Madrid
25. (-) Watford
26. (15) Bolton Wanderers
27. (20) AC Milan
28= (-) Middlesbrough
28= (-) Fulham
30. (33) Bayern Munich (Top German team)

April Movers

Chelsea are now threatening to move past Spurs and Arsenal into third place with Manchester United the only team capable of making a move on Liverpool at the top. The first appearance of a US team on the chart is interesting with LA Galaxy turning up in 52nd place between Leeds United and Roma. Top non-English club is PSV Eindhoven who has moved strongly into the top ten. The top Scottish club is currently Motherwell, Italian is Juventus, German is Bayern Munich and Spanish is Barcelona.

Antony Melvin
20 April 2007If certain media sources are to be believed then Arsenal Football Club is one in turmoil following the shock departure of vice-chairman David Dein on Wednesday (April 18).

The club cite ‘irreconcilable differences’ as the reason for Dein’s hasty departure, with speculation growing that the board was split on that most modern of thorny issues, a financial takeover. Dein is thought to have been in favour of at least substantial investment if not a complete takeover from American billionaire Stan Kroenke, while chairman Peter Hill-Wood is desperate to keep the club in English hands.

All of which has prompted yet more speculation that Dein may sell his 14.5% stake in the club to Kroenke, allowing him to consider offering a bid for full control of the club. With Kroenke already in control of many sports franchises stateside including the Colorado Avalanche NHL ice hockey team and the Denver Nuggets NBA basketball team, there is a genuine feeling that Arsenal could become the latest in Silent Stan’s impressive collection of sporting interests.

Complicating this, however is Hill-Wood’s apparent revulsion at the idea. The 71 year-old is one of six major investors in the club at present, and seems determined that the Gunners will not follow Manchester United and Liverpool into the hands of American ownership. Hill-Wood maintains that Arsenal can compete with their main Premiership rivals both on and off the field without having to effectively sell the soul of the club, and is said to have support for that view from other major shareholders. Yet fans will fear getting left behind as the Glazer family in Manchester and Tom Hicks and George Gillett over in Liverpool set about bridging the financial gap to Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea.

Hill-Wood may just be able to convince the fans that the club’s identity and soul is more important than it’s on-field success, but what about the manager and players at the Emirates Stadium? Arsene Wenger is said to be a very close friend of Dein, and it was the now former vice-chairman who instigated Wenger’s arrival in north London in 1996. Dein plucked the Frenchman from relative obscurity, since when Wenger has gone on to become one of the most successful managers of this or any other era of domestic football in England. His statement that he and Arsenal remain ‘strongly linked’ was far from a pledge of loyalty in the wake of Dein’s exit, and it seems that Hill-Wood faces a battle to keep the Good Ship Arsenal sailing on course.

It is not only Wenger who has issues with recent developments. Star striker and club talisman Thierry Henry is known to be close to Dein also, with the 63 year-old’s son Darren currently serving as Henry’s agent. Much has been made of the fact that Dein junior was also best man at Henry’s wedding, and it remains to be seen whether the French superstar will stick around if Dein senior is unable to renew his involvement with the Gunners. Henry signed a new contract at Arsenal only last summer, but that will be of little comfort to Arsenal fans if the club’s record goalscorer is starting to get tetchy about the whole affair. Contracts are notoriously worthless once a player has set his sights on a move, and there should still be plenty of takers for Henry despite a quieter season by his standards this term.

One has to admire Hill-Wood’s stance in resisting the obvious temptation to take the US dollar above all other considerations. After all, Arsenal is still a prosperous club and an attractive proposition for fans and players alike without the need for multi-million dollar investment from abroad. Yet the responsibility now falls more heavily than ever before on the Arsenal chairman to ensure that his club continue to challenge for major honours both domestically and in Europe. Should he fail, the clamour for financial assistance will grow, regardless of where that cash injection originates.

By Stephen Orford

20 April 2007

4425: Premiership Preview; Manchest

by : Stephen Orford

Manchester United look to re-open a six-point gap at the top of the Premiership when they entertain Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on Saturday evening (April 21).

The league leaders saw their advantage cut to three points following Chelsea’s 4-1 win over West Ham in midweek, 24 hours after United had beaten Sheffield United 2-0 on home soil. Every game ahead of the May 9 clash between the two title rivals is a must-win for both sides, with Gareth Southgate’s Boro outfit next on the agenda for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

Middlesbrough’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool on Wednesday (April 18) left them in 14th place on the ladder, seven points clear of the relegation zone. Premiership status should be assured in what has been a testing first season in management for the former England defender, yet he will be keen for his side to boost their 39-point tally over the remaining four games. A top half finish would be a reasonable achievement for the rookie boss, and remains within reach.

United will be boosted by the return to fitness of no less than three defenders. Ferguson’s side have been through something of a defensive injury crisis in recent weeks, but all of Rio Ferdinand, John O’Shea and Patrice Evra should be available for the visit of the Riverside club. Even Nemanja Vidic is on the way back, although this one will probably come a little too early for the Serbian international.

Further forward, neither Park Ji-Sung nor Louis Saha seem likely to recover from knee and hamstring injuries respectively. Alan Smith looks set to start up front once more, with either Ryan Giggs or Wayne Rooney partnering him in an increasingly flexible and fluent attacking system. Cristiano Ronaldo will provide the main danger from wide positions, with fellow PFA Player Of The Year nominee Paul Scholes pulling the strings in central midfield alongside Michael Carrick.

Middlesbrough continue to have doubts over the fitness of Julio Arca. The former Sunderland man missed the defeat at Anfield with a groin problem, and remains doubtful for the trip to Manchester. Abel Xavier has back trouble, although both Robert Huth and Mark Viduka look set to be fit again. Huth missed the Liverpool game entirely, while Viduka played only the last quarter after suffering from a stomach bug.

History heavily favours the home side, with United winning 48 of the previous 97 league meetings between the two. Boro have tasted success on 29 occasions, with the remaining 20 ending all square. At Old Trafford, United’s dominance is even more prevalent with 28 wins to Boro’s 11, and a further 9 games drawn.

The sub-plot in this one surrounds events in the previous three meetings between the two so far this term. Aswell as the league victory at the Riverside, United squeezed past Boro in a replayed FA Cup quarter final last month, a game in which Ronaldo earned a second controversial penalty of the season against Southgate’s men. Ferguson has responded to Southgate’s complaints by suggesting there is a paranoia about Ronaldo on the part of Middlesbrough, but would perhaps have been well served to leave out any comments which could offer motivation to what would otherwise be gentle opponents at this time of year.

In all probability United will be too strong for Middlesbrough, regardless of any controversies surrounding the Portuguese star. Boro showed little at Anfield to suggest they could match it with the top sides, and the Red Devils are showing some scintillating form in attack even at this late stage of the season.

Verdict; Manchester United 3 Middlesbrough 0

By Stephen Orford

20 April 2007

4422: Preview – The North London Der

by : Kieran McHugh

Tottenham go into Saturday’s lunchtime Derby fixture looking to end a run of 17 consecutive games against their neighbours without a win. The most pressing concern remains securing a UEFA Cup place for next season. With Manchester United and Chelsea contesting the FA Cup Final, 7th place is now good enough for that target to be met.

Lying in 8th place currently, Spurs could yet finish as high as 5th or as low as 10th. Ultimately their ability to bounce back from the UEFA Cup exit and Martin Jol’s reshuffling of an injury ravaged defence will determine how the 2006/07 season is viewed.

Having won only once in their last 6 outings, Spurs’ helter skelter season has again lurched downhill. Notwithstanding the appalling refereeing in both legs of their quarter final against Sevilla and the frustrating methods used by the Spanish side to kill the game at White Hart Lane, Tottenham’s squad was again found wanting against superior opposition.

In the decisive first 10 minutes of the return leg against Sevilla, Spurs were caught cold by Juande Ramos’ brave decision to try to exploit Spurs’ makeshift defensive unit from the off. A heinous error from Steed Malbranque may have lead to the first goal, but in truth Sevilla had the home side chasing shadows throughout the first half, and could easily have been further out of sight at the break.

The positives from Jol’s point of view were that his side didn’t give up, and in a rousing second half display, created enough chances to give the UEFA Cup holders a fright. The Spurs’ crowd also backed their team fully, as they prayed for the type of comeback copyrighted by Middlesbrough in their run to the final last season.

Whilst Spurs have overcome Chelsea in the League this season, and drawn in the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge, any breakthrough into the Champions League places surely requires them to beat the Big 4 more often. That win against 10 man Chelsea aside, Spurs haven’t laid a glove on Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal in the league this season.

In their best ever season in the Premiership, last season’s 5th place, Spurs gained only 4 points from the 24 available from games against the top 4. In 2004/05 their haul against these sides was the same dismal 4 points, although they did the double over an Everton side which would finish 4th.

You have to go back as far as January, 2004 before you find another Spurs’ win against the elite group of Premiership clubs, a 2-1 win against Liverpool at White Hart Lane. That the winner was scored by Helder Postiga illustrates quite how long ago it was and also how rarely these victories happen for Tottenham.

It has long been a source of dissatisfaction for Tottenham fans that their team has failed against the very top sides, but for this season, to date, perhaps it should be seen as the source of some measure of hope.

The UEFA Cup run was ended by the current holders, a side that will be playing Champions League football next season and could yet win La Liga. The FA Cup exit came at the hands of the Champions and a side still chasing an unprecedented 4 trophies in one season. No one at White Hart Lane will need reminding that it was Arsenal that ended Spurs hopes in the League Cup.

These cup runs have stretched the playing resources at the club to the limit, yet there is still the hope of another European adventure next season. Whilst many were expecting Spurs to make a real push for the Champions League places this time round, the poor start may have derailed their challenge.

Along with Everton and Bolton, Spurs are now firmly in the second rank of clubs just outside the top 4. This, in itself, is progress for a club that finished 9th in 2004/05 and 14th the season before that. Whilst it might not be the sort of season many at White Hart Lane were hoping for, a win against their fiercest rivals could yet propel them to equalling last season’s 5th place and allow them to go into the close season on a high.

For their part the Gunners will surely be looking to take advantage of Spurs’ nervousness at the back and come into the game having won their previous 2. Rosicky and Fabregas look to be the men in form for an Arsenal side who will be attempting to overhaul Liverpool for 3rd spot, an improvement on their finish last season.

With the boardroom shenanigans at the Emirates likely to provide the backdrop to events in N17 tomorrow, for 90 minutes David Dein’s departure will play second fiddle to one of the English game’s most heated contests. The Gunners ran out comfortable 3-0 winners earlier in the season and Spurs will be keen to make amends.

With Keane likely to be missing, Jermain Defoe has a chance to show Martin Jol what he can do in partnership with Dimitar Berbatov. Spurs have scored in all but 4 of their last 23 league outings and have been in something of a purple patch of late. Disturbingly they have been just as leaky at the back and those 4 games without scoring came against Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.

It should be a fast, free flowing game with both sides keener to attack than defend. Arsenal have come out of the nightmare 11 days that effectively ended their season stronger. Spurs will be hoping for a win that will signal their intentions to muscle in on the Big 4. There are almost certain to be goals at both ends as North London pride is once more at stake.

Prediction: Tottenham 3 – Arsenal 3

4423: Squarefootball Zeitgeist: Top

by : Antony Melvin

The Squarefootball club pages are hit about 50,000 times a month so offer a reasonable guide to the zeitgeist. Liverpool were our clear leaders in March with their club page being hit hundreds of times more than any other. Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester United were separated by a handful of hits - with their positions constantly changing through the month. Chelsea and Everton climbed strongly in the second half of the month. Surprises included the continued strong showing for West Brom and the advance of Chievo Verona as the most popular non-English club page.

Squarefootball clearly has a cosmopolitan readership as there are many continental European teams more visited than Premiership ones - with the least visited Premiership pages languishing at around the 50th most popular mark. Reading and Portsmouth are the least visited Premiership pages.

1. (1) Liverpool

A third consecutive month at number one for Liverpool - but the gap at the top is narrowing with Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester United getting closer. The indications from April suggest that a fourth month at the top is still likely though.

Liverpool

2. (2) Arsenal

Arsenal just about hung on to second place but was only a handful of hits ahead of Spurs and Man United who look set to overtake in April. As Arsenal's season faltered Arsenal watchers looked for answers - and Arsenal maintained the second place that they first captured in February.

Arsenal

3. (4) Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs edged ahead of Man United by the tiny margin of 2 hits from the thousands that each attained. Late transfer speculation edged them up from last months fourth place.

Tottenham Hotspur

4. (3) Manchester United

Man United were in second place in the Zeitgeist with just a few hours remaining in the month only to be overtaken and dumped into fourth. With the possibility of another treble looming United articles are being sought out with greater regularity, and second place is likely for April.

Manchester United

5. (5) Chelsea

Chelsea ended the month well to hold off Everton and remain in fifth place. Chelsea will push into the top four if they maintain the momentum they showed in the last couple of weeks of March. The possibility of a grand slam of trophies could move Chelsea into uncharted Zeitgeist waters.

Chelsea

6. (9) Everton

A strong showing for Everton who are rising in the Squarefootball Club Zeitgeist almost as convincingly as they are in the league. Up three places and threatened to overtake Chelsea in fifth.

Everton

7. (10) West Bromwich Albion

(Top non-Premiership team) March saw West Brom's promotion bid start to falter and their surge into the top ten of the Zeitgeist will probably fade along with their automatic promotion bid. The play-offs could revive them.

West Bromwich Albion

8. (8) Newcastle United

Newcastle remain steady in the top ten - but with the Michael Owen stories keeping Newcastle in the news next month should see an advance.

Newcastle United

9. (-) Chievo Verona

(Top Italian team, top non-English team) A complete surprise is the strength of Chievo Verona - possibly relative to the almost non-existent coverage elsewhere.

Chievo Verona

10. (7) Aston Villa

Villa's season in the Premiership started well, but went saggy in the middle and just in time Villa found third gear and started to get themselves out of trouble in March. A slight drop from February - but next season could be very exciting at Villa Park.

Aston Villa

4421: Transfer Speculation: Vultures

by : Paul Grech

At the start of the season, the least optimistic of West Ham fans – and there weren’t many - were predicting a season of mid-table mediocrity. Most were thinking of possible European qualification, even of sneaking into the top four.

Their confidence was more than justified. A solid first season back in the Premiership and an unlucky defeat in the FA Cup final had signalled their potential. With the arrival of two of Argentina’s World Cup stars, they were apparently ready to make the jump up in class.

Instead the opposite happened. Alan Pardew didn’t know what to do with either Carlos Tevez or Javier Mascherano and their arrival, as well as the apparent imposition on the manager, soured team spirit. That Dean Ashton, so impressive last year, had to sit out a whole year due to an injury picked up with England further ruined their hopes.

Not even the arrival of new multi-millionaire owners, the dismissal of Pardew and subsequent appointment of Alan Curbishley made much of a difference. When a run of positive results was broken by a solid 3-0 defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Sheffield United last Saturday, thoughts of relegation that had been postponed for most of the season began looking very much real.

Which puts West Ham in a difficult position. The last time they were relegated, financial problems forced them into selling most of their young stars which included Joe Cole and Jermaine Defoe. They should have no such restrictions this time round, yet many of the players that have contributed to this relegation will be unwilling to step down a division. A summer heavy with transfers is seemingly on the horizon.

Carlos Tevez

It’s unlikely that the Argentine striker would accept to play in the Championship yet his indifferent form for West Ham is unlikely to attract possible suitors. But with Javier Mascherano thriving at Liverpool, what Tevez probably needs is a club which can exploit his undoubted talents.
Possible Destinations: What price Liverpool trying to re-unite him with Mascherano? If not, Corinthians are willing to take him back.

Lucas Neill

The defender who snubbed a move to Liverpool claiming that he was ‘excited’ by West Ham’s plans probably won’t be too thrilled to make a backward move at this stage of his career. With Alvaro Arbeloa, the player Rafael Benitez signed instead of Neill, doing well it is unlikely that he will find the Anfield side willing to take him the second time round.
Possible Destination: Given that Chelsea won’t be spending as much as in the past, as well as their reported interest before Neill’s move to West Ham, he might be a good player for them.

Matthew Upson

Another player who moved to West Ham in January believing that he would be guaranteed Premiership football, he might soon find himself back in the Championship. Given his desperation to play in top flight, he won’t be happy.
Possible Destinations: It might not go well with his previous employers, but Aston Villa would be the best choice to re-establish himself.

Nigel Reo-Coker

In the eyes of most fans, captain Reo-Coker is one of the main reasons for West Ham’s poor season. Nicknamed Reo-Choker, one of last year’s most impressive players has suddenly become damaged goods. Which will be good news for any club interested in him.
Possible Destinations: Everton were warned off the player last summer but they should get a different answer this time round.

Anton Ferdinand

Off the pitch problems have compounded an erratic form on it, so he is no longer the shining prospect he was considered at the end of last season. Another season in the Championship might actually help him mature but ego will more likely lead to a transfer.
Possible Destinations: A season without Ledley King has convinced Tottenham that they need more defensive cover. But what about big brother Rio convincing Manchester United to make a move?

Dean Ashton

Being injured has dampened the enthusiasm surrounding Ashton but any club who manages to sign him – provided he doesn’t decide to repay West Ham’s faith by staying – will be getting a player with a big future.
Possible Destinations: Many clubs will try to sign him but he’s most likely to stay with West Ham.

4420: Colchester United – Team Of Th

by : David Hulott

Colchester United went into their first-ever season in the second tier of English football regarded as favourites for the drop in the eyes of most pundits. It was an opinion that was difficult to counter given the circumstances, with the departure of their much-lauded manager Phil Parkinson over the summer coming in addition to the loss of key players Liam Chilvers and Neill Danns, while winger Mark Yeates returned to Tottenham Hotspur after a successful season loan.

With a small squad, severely limited finances (a stadium that holds barely 6,000 is never going to generate the income to pay transfer fees or wages comparable with almost any of their Championship peers) and no significant additions to replace those that had left, it looked as if a season-long struggle to retain their newly acquired status was a cast-iron certainty. Four league games into the new season and the doom-mongers appeared to be correct in their assumptions, with Colchester pointless and seemingly headed for a rapid return to League One. Not only that, but they went on to be dumped out of the Carling Cup by League Two Milton Keynes Dons in the 1st round in the next outing. It seemed that, without the guiding hand of Parkinson, the club’s Championship tenure would be a brief one.

However, while Parkinson’s career stalled badly during his brief tenure at Hull City, it’s been onwards and upwards for Colchester under Parkinson’s successor and former assistant, Geraint Williams, since that low point in Milton Keynes.

A 4:3 win over Derby County on August 26 heralded the revival, in a game in which Jamie Cureton bagged a hat-trick and Chris Iwelumo also found the net. The win over Derby set The U’s on their way to a run of 11 consecutive Championship victories at Layer Road and was also the starting point for Cureton and Iwelumo to establish themselves as the division’s most prolific strike-pairing, with 39 league goals between them to date. Not a bad return for a couple of free transfer signings, Cureton having joined from Swindon Town in the summer and Iwelumo arriving from Alemania Aachen a year earlier.

The departure of the highly-rated Greg Halford in the January transfer window was good business financially, but it did little for the team’s ambitions. There were no incoming transfers in January and yet, after a brief dip in form, they have come again and, with just three rounds of matches remaining, they could yet slip into the top six. The prospect of the Essex club playing in the Premiership might seem remote, but with some of those above them beginning to show the strain, it could yet happen.

This Saturday sees Colchester play host to table-topping Sunderland in a match between polar opposites in terms of both financial and numerical support. Roy Keane will no doubt take most of the managerial plaudits in the Championship at the end of the season but, while his achievements are certainly worthy of note (Sunderland started the season in equally poor form), the job that Williams has done at Layer Road on limited resources surely surpasses that of any other manager in the Football League this term.

David Hulott
19 April 2007